Joe Hart has voiced his frustration at being left out of England’s World Cup squad, hinting his involvement in qualification should have sealed a spot at the finals.
Gareth Southgate omitted the 31-year-old from his 23-man travelling party on this week in favour of Burnley’s Nick Pope despite Hart playing in all 10 qualifiers and featuring in March’s friendly get-together against Holland and Italy.
Hart has endured mixed fortunes during a season loan at West Ham, a second consecutive campaign away from parent club Manchester City after spending last year at Serie A club Torino.
Southgate defended his decision yesterday by insisting in Pope, Jordan Pickford and Nick Butland, he had selected the three in-form goalkeepers in the Premier League.
However, Hart, who was told he was dropped in a telephone call on Tuesday morning, wrote on Instagram: “Not going to lie, I’m gutted. After two years of trying to make the most of a really tough situation, this is hard to take.
“I’m proud to have put in the graft and play every minute to qualify with the team and have a really important input in that outcome. I know what I bring to the team, but it is what it is. Good luck to the team out there, the players know that even though I won’t be there, I will have my England shirt on as a fan this time and supporting all the way. No fear, go and smash it. [Three Lions] and proud x.”
Hart posted his message this morning, just a few hours after Jack Wilshere also used social media to reveal his own disappointment at being overlooked.
He wrote on Twitter: “I’ve felt fit, sharp and strong all season and believe I should be in the squad!
“And given the chance I could have made a real impact. However, I have to respect the manager’s decision and would like to wish the whole squad all the very best for the tournament.”
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