One of the memorable incidents of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa which caused many of Englands more cynical fans to laugh in exasperation was the diabolical goalkeeping situation. After a horrifying performance against USA, first-choice goalkeeper Robert Green was unceremoniously dropped from the team for David James. The lack of confidence in the keeper was one of the recurrent themes of the tournament which would be one of the factors which ultimately led to a disappointing campaign. This World Cup we know definitively that Manchester Citys Joe Hart who had been on the team in 2010 but went unused is our strongest goal keeper. Many believed that amid all the disharmony surrounding the position back in 2010, Hart should have been given the opportunity to prove himself. This time around the 27-year-old has given Hodgson no choice but to field him as the starting goalie. Though Hart had a shaky start to the 2013/14 season, his performances in the latter half were pivotal in Manchester Citys dramatic recapturing of the League title. With excellent athleticism for a man of his size, superb reflexes and undeniable leadership qualities, Hart will most certainly ensure we wont see a reappearance of the goalkeeping issues which blighted the 2010 campaign. With the confidence the squad can place in Hart, the rest of the team are able to play with less inhibitions, no longer having to fear that losing the ball has a high chance of the team conceding a goal.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
