Goalkeeper Joe Hart adamant point in Slovenia is crucial

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at 09:31 on Wednesday 12 October 2016

Joe Hart felt he was back to his best in an England shirt after his performance helped the Three Lions secure a draw in Slovenia.

England’s stalemate with Slovenia means their winning run in World Cup qualifiers ended at 14.

But the point earned keeps England at the top of Group F and goalkeeper Hart had to be alert to earn the draw.

The 29-year-old had to be quick off his line in each half to first deny Roman Bezjak and then Josip Ilicic.

But his finest save arrived shortly after half-time as Jasmin Kurtic’s header from a corner looked destined for the top-right corner, only for Hart to somehow claw it out via the crossbar.

And Hart insisted that the point could prove crucial as England bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

"They had some chances, but we dominated the game,” Hart said. “That was down to how they set up though so a lot of respect goes to them tonight.

“They have dug in and Jan Oblak, who I am a massive fan of had a fantastic game in goal for them.

“It was an interesting game and it's 0-0 and we are going to have to take it.

“It's my best game for a while, I was asked to do quite a bit but it was down to a few errors from us.

“We are going to improve, we are a young team and we have dug in in an intense atmosphere.

“On the night it is a disappointing result but we have to look at the bigger picture and we are trying to qualify for Russia.

“My body is in absolute pieces and I'll struggle to get up tomorrow I think. The lad (Kurtic) got across to the corner and flicked it and I did everything I could to keep it out.

“I landed on the frame of the goal and luckily the lads were there to defend – it hurt!”

England Supporters Club

Goalkeeper Joe Hart adamant point in Slovenia is crucial

Joe Hart felt he was back to his best in an England shirt after his performance helped the Three Lions secure a draw in Slovenia.

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