Joe Hart urges England to extend unbeaten run

16 November 2011 12:44
Joe Hart has challenged England to extend their unbeaten 2011 into next summer's European Championships after maintaining his own remarkable record at international level.[LNB] Tuesday's 1-0 friendly win over Sweden saw England complete a calendar year without losing a match for the first time since the mid-1990s, when they managed it in both 1994 and 1996 - not counting a penalty shootout defeat to Germany.[LNB] Safe hands: England keeper Joe Hart[LNB] Manchester City goalkeeper Hart is the only player to have started all nine of England's games in 2011, which have yielded six wins and three draws.[LNB] He said: 'It's a great record and we're all very proud of that inside the camp.[LNB] 'But we just want to keep on winning games.[LNB] 'We'd have liked to have won all nine but we can't do that and fortunately we're getting results.'[LNB] The 24-year-old, who has also yet to lose in his 15 appearances for his country, added: 'It's been a good year for me international-wise.[LNB] 'I'm really proud and pleased to be involved in qualifying for a tournament, which was our aim at the start and something that we're really looking forward to.'[LNB] No ordinary Joe: Hart makes a flying save against Sweden[LNB] England ended the year with two landmark 1-0 victories, starting with Saturday's shock success against Spain - their first over reigning world champions for 31 years.[LNB] They followed that last night by ending their Sweden hoodoo, which saw them go 43 years and 12 matches without beating the Scandinavians.[LNB] 'Two tough games and we're happy to come through with two good wins,' Hart said.[LNB] 'Two different sides we played against and we showed two different characteristics to win.[LNB] 'Saturday was tough but we dominated (Sweden) a bit more.[LNB] 'They were more of a threat from set pieces but I thought we dealt with them well and got the goal.'[LNB] The two games saw manager Fabio Capello blood more of the country's youngsters, with Kyle Walker, Jack Rodwell and Daniel Sturridge all making their debuts.[LNB] Hart said: 'It's great. I'm really happy for the boys who got their chances.[LNB] 'It's good that we're getting new players in and there are great options for the manager.'[LNB] The win saw England net their 2,000th goal, which was initially credited to Hart's City team-mate Gareth Barry before replays demonstrated it had been a Daniel Majstorovic own goal.[LNB] But Hart said: 'Nah, that's Gaz's, Gaz's all day long.' [LNB] I would NEVER stand down as England captain, says under-fire Terry after Sweden win Fabio hails Lion cubs after blooding Euro stars: Jones, Rodwell and Walker praised after England win[LNB] [LNB]

Source: Daily_Mail