Gerrard - Hart is key

England skipper Steven Gerrard believes Joe Hart will become 'the best keeper in the world'.

Three Lions skipper has total confidence in goalkeeper

England skipper Steven Gerrard believes Joe Hart will become "the best keeper in the world" and will have a key role to play in Sunday's Euro 2012 qualifier with Italy in the Olympic Stadium. Gerrard gave his glowing testament as England attempt to reach their first major semi-final since Euro '96 when they lost on penalties to Germany. The Liverpool midfielder has seen Hart grow in stature since becoming established as the England number one since the 2010 World Cup. Gerrard said: "I think we have got one of the best keepers in the world in Joe and I think eventually he will go on to be the best in the world. "His performances so far in this tournament have been fantastic and he is going to be one of our key players tomorrow night. "We need Joe to perform at his maximum because at some stage in the game or in extra-time or if it goes to penalties, he is going to be called upon to make a fantastic save. "We all think we can do it."