Possibly the most remarkable Premier League season in memory has finally drawn its fox-savaged curtains, meaning all eyes are on Euro 2016.
It was an exciting domestic campaign for young and emerging English talent, something that will surely give Roy Hodgson a welcome headache when selecting his final 23-man squad for France.
But in comparison to some of the youthful lions expected to feature in this summer’s tournament, goalkeeper Joe Hart is something of a veteran. With over 50 caps at international level, this will be his fourth tournament in an England squad.
That’s not to say he’s forgotten the first time, though. Speaking to JOE at the launch of the new England kit at Wembley, Hart explains that he still recalls his senior debut – a substitute for David James against Trinidad & Tobago in June 2008 – like it was yesterday.
“Yeah I still remember it now. It’s strange, it doesn’t really feel real until you’re in there and you make your first proper appearance in a game. It’s quite surreal and there’s obviously a whirlwind around it. But I’ve got a big job now. I’ve been here a while and it’s important for me to help the younger guys in the squad.”
It’s likely that a good chunk of Hodgson’s squad will be experiencing their first international tournament in June. Eric Dier (22), Dele Alli (20), John Stones (21) and Harry Kane (22) are just some of the names in that list, should they make the squad. And then there’s 18-year-old Marcus Rashford, whose outstanding breakthrough into the Manchester United squad may just land him a seat on the plane.
England’s qualifying campaign could hardly have gone much better. They won the group at a canter, aided in part by Wayne Rooney’s excellent – and history-making – goalscoring form and standout performances in the latter stages from yet another youngster, Everton’s Ross Barkley.
The Three Lions found the back of the net 31 times in their 10 games, and only conceded three. They were never expected to struggle, but it was a promising start for the country’s new generation.
It’s fascinating to ponder over how they’ll gel under the spotlight, but there’s definitely a feeling of unpredictability this time round. Hart assures us that this shouldn’t be seen as a worry, though.
“Everyone’s strong: you wouldn’t get in the England squad if you weren’t mentally, physically and tactically strong. It’s all about us building a relationship, feeling comfortable and getting the best out of each other. Some people need an arm, others don’t. You work with it and work with the manager.”
Despite all the heartbreak England fans have endured over the years, there remains a passionate following that follow the nation to every competition. The disappointment of 2014’s World Cup might have lowered expectations going into the Euros, but there’s a freshness about the squad that means most fans are also brimming with anticipation to see what can be achieved.
Hart explains that the backing of the fans is what drives the players on, though he stresses the importance of not getting carried away in the dressing room.
“There’s a huge buzz playing for your country. Away support and tournament support is genuinely the best I’ve ever experienced – right back from my first tournament in the World Cup in South Africa, where I didn’t play. I couldn’t believe the feeling, and that still carries on. It’s honestly the highlight for me.
“There’s a similar feeling in the dressing room as there is among the fans. It’s an exciting group of players with no real fear. But you know I’ve been around for a few tournaments now and there’s always a good buzz before, which is great, but I’d prefer to have that after to be honest.”
European championship football has thrown up some brilliant memories over the years – think Greece, Gazza and Van Basten – and like many an England supporter, one in particular stands out for our current number one.
“Euro 96 was the best one I ever experienced as a fan,” he reminisces. “The big games: Scotland, Spain, winning on penalties and the disappointment of the Germany game. David Seaman was and still is a big hero of mine, so that was a really good tournament to be a fan for.”
Of course, everyone will be crossing their fingers for new memories this summer. Leicester’s astonishing title charge has sprinkled fairy dust over the national game, and the hordes travelling to France are entitled to dream of more unexpected glory.
For Joe Hart, Euro 2016 is about carrying on the steady progression seen in the group stages, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t thinking about the big prize at the end.
“The dream is obviously to win it; there’s no point turning up otherwise. We want to build, we want to make the nation proud and we want to do ourselves justice. I think that’s the most important thing we can get from this tournament.”
Joe Hart wears England’s new 2016 kit, built for speed with revolutionary Nike Aeroswift innovation. Visit nike.com for more information.
