England Euro 2016: Joe Hart says it is time for the players to prove they can be stars
Three Lions keeper targets success against Russia and promises the squad is ready to shine
Joe Hart says England’s players are ready to stand up and prove they can be a European Championship success.
England open their Euro 2016 campaign against Russia on Saturday and Manchester City keeper Hart believes the time has come for the team to deliver.
And he is confident Roy Hodgson’s young squad have the potential to make a real impact in France – starting in Marseille this weekend.
Hart said: “I have gone into every tournament confident and felt like we have been ready, so for me to say what the difference is this time is difficult.
“But all I can say is those tournaments have gone, they are in the past. This is a new set of players fresh and ready and give it all we’ve got.
“We’ve had all the backing we need, everything has been put in place it is now down to us on the pitch.
“We are ready, we have prepared well and we now look to win every game and see where that takes us.”
Hart, 29, is one of the elder statesmen of the squad the has a mix of experience and youth about it.
And he singled out captain Wayne Rooney for playing a key role in helping to bring the group of players together at the Chantilly training base.
He added: “I’m 29, and hopefully I have a lot of football ahead of me, I love playing football and enjoying being round everyone.
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“But the only way ultimately to enjoy this experience is with success, that starts Saturday.
“It should be exciting, fresh, there are a lot of youngsters who are probably a lot more comfortable. A good bond.
“It’s well known Wayne is such a keen part of the squad. He is accessible to all the players, that’s just how Wayne is.
“There is a connection, age doesn’t factor in this squad. We are as one.”
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This is a unique opportunity to own memorabilia autographed by one of the best keepers in the world ahead of Euro 2016.
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