Joe Hart claims to thrive under the weight of expectation that has been placed on his shoulders since becoming England's undisputed number one.
Keeper ready to be England's defensive rock
Joe Hart claims to thrive under the weight of expectation that has been placed on his shoulders since becoming England's undisputed number one.
The Manchester City goalkeeper was a member of England's squad at the 2010 World Cup, but played no part as Robert Green blundered against the United States and David James toiled as the Three Lions crashed out.
Hart is, however, now firmly established as first choice for club and country.
His exploits with City in 2011/12 saw him land a Premier League winners' medal, and he heads into Euro 2012 this summer charged with the responsibility of providing a reliable last line of defence.
Hart says he welcomes the pressure that accompanies turning out for England a major international tournament and is planning on making the most of his first taste of the European Championships.
Improved
"I must have improved in that time (since the World Cup). I seem to be getting better," said the City shot-stopper.
"Whether that comes from playing regularly....but I've always felt like I'm improving although I feel like I've got loads more to do.
"South Africa was amazing. I absolutely loved it. I just wish we had done better as a team. We had a really good squad out there and it was unfortunate we couldn't do as well as we wanted to.
"For me, it's a totally different mindset this time to two years ago. There's an awful lot more expected of me this time with playing all the qualifying games and things like that.
"But I like that responsibility and hopefully I'll bring something positive to the team."
Hart is aware that England must take something from their opening game against France on 11th June if they are to mount a serious challenge for the continental crown, but believes Roy Hodgson's men can take plenty of positives from back-to-back friendly successes over Norway and Belgium.
Solid
Hart said: "The game against France will be one of the biggest games of the championships.
"France will play some pretty football around the box so we have to be ready for that.
"Thankfully I've been lucky enough with England to have been involved in some pretty big games the last couple of years and this will be the next one.
"The fact we are looking solid helps. It's something I've had with my club side and it's helped us do well, winning the Premier League and FA Cup.
"That's been mirrored with England. We communicate well and have a solid set-up. The defence has been great."
