Southgate full of praise for Hart after Slovenia stalemate

Gareth Southgate admitted he had Joe Hart to thank as England drew 0-0 with Slovenia at Stožice Stadium. 

Hart was called into action in the first half when Roman Bezjak pounced on a back pass, with the goalkeeper diving at his feet to keep the Slovenian striker at bay before Jasmin Kurtic curled an effort against the post. 

And he was called into action immediately after half-time as he twice kept Slovenia out from near-post corners, the second seeing the shot stopper somehow claw the bar out from the top right-hand corner via the crossbar. 

Josip Ilicic then bore down on goal following another back pass but again Hart was quick to react to smother the ball. 

And despite seeing his team have chances at the other end, England interim manager Southgate was full of praise for Hart’s performance. 

“The overall objective is to qualify so, long term, maybe that’s a point that is important towards that,” Southgate said.  

“Everyone can see we could be better but their chances came from our mistakes or set-pieces and that is something that needs to be better. 

“Having said that some of those mistakes were when we tried to play on what was a very tricky surface. We want to encourage the boys to play but also they have got to play sensibly as well. 

“We owe our goalkeeper really for getting a point. He was fantastic. He's at his best when he's calm and composed and it's something he’s aware of. We've discussed that and this week his professionalism and his training has been excellent and his manner has been very calm across these two matches. 

“He was at his best tonight. It was a brilliant save, we didn't start either half well and that has to be better and it’s an outstanding save that gets us a point.” 

England enjoyed possession in the first half but failed to really trouble Jan Oblak in Slovenia’s goal. 

But as the game wore on the Three Lions pressed as they looked for a 15th-straight World Cup qualifying victory, with Daniel Sturridge, Jesse Lingard and substitute Wayne Rooney all going close. 

However, they couldn’t find a winner and had to settle for a point, one that keeps England at the top of Group F, two points ahead of Lithuania and Slovakia. 

“We actually had a few chances ourselves and with a better final ball we should have done more with them,” Southgate added. 

“But I can’t ask for more over these ten days then what they have given me.  

“We would have liked six points from these last two games but we have four and haven’t conceded a goal. 

“With the overall objective of qualifying we have kept the players on track and I can't thank the players and support team enough for the backing I have had.”