Joe Hart has received universal acclaim from his team-mates following a fine return to form against Germany on Tuesday evening.
The 26-year-old has been on the receiving end of criticism over recent weeks and has lost his place in the Manchester City starting line-up, but after a stellar display against Joachim Loew’s side at Wembley his international team-mates offered their support - with the message being that his ability was never in doubt.
Everton defender Phil Jagielka said: "I've backed Joe all the time, all the players have backed Joe all the time. He's been in for some criticism, some of it a little bit harsh.
Match Details
England 0-1 Germany
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Wembley Stadium
"But Joe's a big boy and that's the only way he can prove his critics wrong by making some fantastic saves. He won't be getting that many pats on the back from the lads because we expect him to do it."
Among a string of impressive stops was a double save from first Per Mertesacker and then Max Kruse.
Although he was unfortunate that the second save led to the corner from which Germany scored the decisive goal, no blame could be attributed to Hart for not preventing the Arsenal defender’s unstoppable header nestling in the back of the Wembley net.
Jagielka's defensive partner Chris Smalling added: "I think he did very well tonight. He produced a couple of really good saves and bailed me out at one of the corners as well. I think he was terrific tonight."
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend, who was unlucky not to equalise for England in the second half when his long-range effort riffled back off the post, added to the praise.
He said: "He made a great save from the corner before the one they scored. He's been fantastic and hopefully he continues that form."
Hart will return to Manchester City reinvigorated and confident of wrestling his place back from Costel Pantilimon – starting with the weekend visit of Spurs.
