Joe Hart says his omission from England’s final squad for the World Cup has been “hard to take”.
The 31-year-old was overlooked by boss Gareth Southgate for the final 23-man group, with Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope the three goalkeepers included, while Tom Heaton is on the standby list.
Hart, who has earned 75 senior caps for his country and played in nine of their 10 qualifying matches for Russia 2018, has found it difficult to accept the decision.
Writing on his official Instagram page on Friday, he said: “Not going to lie, I’m gutted. After two years of trying to make the most of a really tough situation, this is hard to take. I’m proud to have put in the graft and play every minute to qualify with the team and have a really important input in that outcome. I know what I bring to the team, but it is what it is.
“Good luck to the team out there, the players know that even though I won’t be there, I will have my England shirt on as a fan this time and supporting all the way.
“No fear, go and smash it.”
