Peter Schmeichel makes interesting England claim about Tottenham’s Joe Hart

Manchester United legend, Peter Schmeichel has claimed that Joe Hart should be England’s number one ahead of Jordon Pickford, Dean Henderson, and Nick Pope.

Hart was the undisputed England number one during his time at Manchester City and went on to win 75 caps for the Three Lions during his career (transsfermarkt.com).

However, the experienced shot-stopper has had a massive fall from grace over the last few years since leaving the Etihad stadium.

Following his loan spell at Torino, the 33-year-old failed to make the expected impact at West Ham or Burnley and has not been capped by England since 2017.

While a possible return to the England fold does not look to be on the cards for Hart, he will be hoping to rebuild his reputation at Tottenham.

The summer signing has had a decent start to his Tottenham career, having seemingly displaced Paulo Gazzaniga as Jose Mourinho’s second choice keeper.

However, Schmeichel believes that Hart could also still be the best goalkeeper Gareth Southgate has at his disposal.

Speaking to The Times, the legendry United stopper said: “What you’re talking about here is three goalkeepers: one [Pickford] has played for England for three years and made mistakes in the Premier League — those are your words — one [Henderson] is not playing at all, played last season for Sheffield United, you know; and the other [Pope] plays for Burnley, who are rock-bottom of the Premier League.

“When was the last time England had a No.1? Joe Hart is still playing. Why is he not the No 1? Hart is only 33 years old. He’s probably in his prime.

“The question, for me, would probably be answered with David Seaman. He’s probably the last No.1 you had.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I believe Joe Hart has been bought into Spurs by Jose Mourinho primarily because he is a winner and a respected voice in the dressing room. I suspect the Spurs boss has only made him the number two ahead of Gazzaniga because he wants the 33-year-old to feel part of the squad and push the players on to the next level.

I am yet to be convinced that he is at Spurs because of his ability as a goalkeeper. So, for Schmeichel to suggest that he should start for England is quite bizarre. However, I do agree with his point about England’s goalkeeping problem. I would be tempted to give Pope a sustained run in the side if I was Southgate but I cannot see him dropping Pickford ahead of the Euros next summer.

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