Joe Hart says his omission from England’s final squad for the World Cup has been “hard to take”. 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.”
Hart, whose City contract terminates toward the finish of next season, is relied upon to leave either on another loan or a lasting arrangement in the following transfer window.