As per the Mirror, West Ham loan summer signing Joe Hart risks losing his starting berth in the England national team as a result of his recent poor performances.
The goalie arrived the Olympic Stadium from Manchester City on a season-long loan with one purpose in mind; retain his spot in between the sticks for the Three Lions ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
However, it’s believed manager Gareth Southgate is mulling over playing Stoke City’s Jack Butland against Malta and possibly Slovakia in next month’s qualifiers.
The 24-year-old highlighted why he’s the future number 1 for England with another commanding display in Potters’ 1-0 win over Arsenal last weekend.
Butland’s consistent presence and error-free performances in between the sticks either side of a long-term injury layoff have also put him in Southgate’s good book.
To say Hart has had a very disappointing start to new life with the Hammers would be stating the obvious.
In his first 2 Premier League games, the long-time England first-choice keeper has shipped a whopping 7 goals.
The 30-year-old has been under heavy scrutiny since his bloopers at the Euros 2016 against Iceland and Wales helped quicken an infamous group exit for the Three Lions.
Hart’s errors against Scotland, conceding two Leigh Griffiths free-kicks in the 2-2 draw in June’s World Cup qualifier also serve as the most recent cases of dismal goalkeeping counting against him.
With Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Burnley’s Tom Heaton also competing for the number 1 spot, Hart would have to put in flawless performances in the West Ham gloves for the remainder of the season if he’s to hold on to his berth and man the goal for England at Russia.
That could help the Hammers campaign as they hope to challenge for an Europa League finishing spot on the log this term.
