Hart to sit out France friendly

0
73
Joe Hart
Joe Hart

England goalkeeper Joe Hart will not play in the friendly against France on Tuesday, with Gareth Southgate planning to use Tom Heaton and Jack Butland.

Burnley’s Heaton will start the match at the Stade de France, while Stoke’s Butland will play in the second half.

“It was never my intention to play Joe in this game,” said Southgate.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane remains captain after leading the side as they drew 2-2 with Scotland in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Manchester City goalkeeper Hart played the full 90 minutes at Hampden Park – and was beaten by two Leigh Griffiths free-kicks.

Asked if Hart was at fault for the goals, Southgate said: “They were great free-kicks. Beyond that, coaching conversations I have with players stay private.

“If we go down that route then it’s not the right thing to do. I go back to the concession of free-kicks being the starting point. There are many areas we could have done better. You need to give players the opportunity,” said Southgate.

“In the past, one or two keepers have given up international football because they’ve not had that chance so I’m conscious of keeping players involved.”

Butland, 24, only returned in late April after being sidelined since fracturing his ankle while on England duty in March 2016.

Southgate added: “We think he can also challenge for the number one spot. It is a difficult call on Fraser, who is also a very good keeper.

“With those four and [Sunderland’s] Jordan Pickford, plus a couple of lads coming up potentially from the Championship next year, we are very healthy.”

The Oasis song ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ will be played before the game as the French pay respect to those killed in the recent attacks in London and Manchester.

Fans will hold up red and white placards to form the England flag as the song is played just before the players emerge from the tunnel.

Both teams will wear black armbands and a minute’s silence will also be observed prior to the match.

Prime Minister Theresa May will meet French President Emmanuel Macron for talks on Tuesday and both are expected to attend the match at the Stade de France.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.