Hart saves England’s blushes
Joe Hart pulled off fantastic saves to get a 0-0 draw against Slovenia
Joe Hart pulled off a number of fantastic saves to help England avoid a humiliating defeat in their 0-0 draw with Slovenia in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Three Lions had a lethargic performance at Stadion Stocize and could have seen interim manager Gareth Southgate lose to a 67th-ranked Slovenia but Hart made four superb saves to salvage a point for his national side.
Hart, who is on-loan at Torino this season, twice blocked Josip Ilicic and displayed world-class reflex after palming Jasmin Kurtic’s header away from his goal just after the break.
Wayne Rooney, who was dropped from the starting XI for his pedestrian performance in their 2-0 win over minnows Malta, was introduced with 18 minutes left but failed to inspire England and extend the country’s winning streak in qualifying tournaments.
England still lead Group F with seven points from three games, followed by Lithuania who have five points after three fixtures.
GOING SOUTH
There was much optimism after Southgate was given the chance to replace estranged manager Sam Allardyce, who left the team after just one game in charge because of off-pitch controversies.
But things have soured for the former England Under-21 manager, though he still has two games to prove his worth as the manager of the senior team – a qualifier against struggling Scotland and a friendly against Spain.
The draw ended England’s streak of winning 14 straight qualifying games.