Hart: We'll cope without Rooney

10 October 2011 08:05
Joe Hart is confident England have players that can "step up to the mark" during Wayne Rooney's absence at the Euro 2012 finals next summer.[LNB] Rooney will be banned for a minimum of one game after his red card against Montenegro in Podgorica, but UEFA have the power to increase the suspension if they think it appropriate.[LNB]The Manchester United forward has been in fine form during the qualifying campaign but Hart is confident England can still do well in his absence.[LNB]Hart said: "It's a massive blow for Wayne himself and a blow that one of our better players will be missing.[LNB]"It is not a blow for our chances because we've got a great team.[LNB]"As was proven against Montenegro, people are willing to step up to the mark when required.[LNB]"After Wayne got sent off, we moved on as a team and Danny Welbeck came on and did really well up front. He did a great job."[LNB]Hart played in all eight of England's qualifiers and is hoping to experience his first taste of action at a senior tournament next summer after being part of the 2010 World Cup squad.[LNB]He said: "I've really enjoyed it and am proud to be playing at the moment.[LNB]"I'm trying to keep up my club form, and stay in that team at Manchester City, and likewise trying to stay in the England team.[LNB]"I learned a lot from being at the World Cup, as much as I could from not playing.[LNB]"I've been at a few tournaments now, the World Cup was the biggest, but Under-21s championships as well and the experience stands you in good stead.[LNB]"You also benefit from being part of nights like those in Montenegro. That is why we play football. Those are the kind of atmospheres you want to get into.[LNB]"It is all very well playing in nice stadiums, with everyone clapping but in those crazy atmospheres, where it means everything to the people, it really brings out the passion in yourself."[LNB]Hart added: "We're a good team, we're a good football nation, we have to be at tournaments like the Euros.[LNB]"We will go into the tournament feeling very confident and we're hoping for a successful campaign."

Source: Team_Talk