Roy Hodgson: Joe Hart will start

JOE HART will be stuck straight back into the firing line by England boss Roy Hodgson.

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Under fire Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Has been given the backing of his England manager Joe Hart [AP]

The Manchester City keeper has been dropped by club boss Manuel Pellegrini after a series of high-profile clangers.

But Three Lions manager Hodgson says he owes Hart for his World Cup qualifying performances and will start him in one of this month's home friendlies against Chile and Germany.

Asked how vital it was to have faith in his No.1, Hodgson said: "It's very important. If I show a lack of faith in him, which I think he would regard as very undeserving after what he has done for England, then it would definitely affect his confidence negatively.
"I never had any intention of doing that.


Although I haven't spoken to Manuel yet, I think he would expect me to play Joe because I'm sure he hasn't lost faith in him as a goalkeeper. Sometimes as a club manager you get put under pressure to make a decision, but I'm not convinced he has written off Joe Hart in any way. Maybe he thought withdrawing him from the firing line might be a good thing. Unfortunately, I can't withdraw him from the firing line.

Manager Roy Hodgson has kept the faith in Joe Hart [GETTY]

“He'll play for England, he'll be in the firing line there, with regard to people judging his performances, but he was very much like that in the last two games against Montenegro and Poland and he came out of that with flying colours”

Roy Hodgson

"He'll play for England. He'll be in the firing line there, with regard to people judging his performances, but he was very much like that in the last two games against Montenegro and Poland and he came out of that with flying colours."
Hart was facing more headlines yesterday after it was alleged he withdrew £100,000 during a casino trip with boy band Union J. The revelations following last December's Manchester derby loss is more embarrassment for the 26-year-old.

Hodgson added: "It concerns me a little bit. You could argue people's behaviour can change enormously in 12 months.

"I don't think I've had any real cause to be concerned about this group of players. I'm afraid these stories will emerge. It will be up to the player and his club to deal with it.
"But I'm pleased to hear it was a year ago.
And I would rather hope it is something Joe himself has corrected."

Joe Hart has come under fire for allegedly withdrawing £100,000 during a casino trip with boy band Union J [GETTY]

Southampton are flying in the Premier League and have new call-up Jay Rodriguez included in the squad alongside Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana.

Rodriguez could barely believe it, saying: "I am shocked. It is a bit surreal. It is a dream come true and I can't wait.

"I couldn't stop smiling and I have not stopped smiling all day. It's class."
He got the nod partly because Danny Welbeck has an injury and may not be fit.