Joe Hart helped England secure their place at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Thursday night as the Three Lions beat Slovenia 1-0.
Gareth Southgate’s men looked as if they were going to have to settle for a goalless draw for much of the Wembley Group F clash, however Harry Kane popped up in injury time to slide Kyle Walker’s cross over the line to seal the three points.
West Ham United goalkeeper Hart, who has been in fine recent form for the Hammers, had little to do at Wembley as Gareth Southgate’s men were winners courtesy of the Spurs forward’s goal.
However, a superb double save to deny first Tim Matavz and then Aljaz Struna in the remaining ten minutes – when the score was still 0-0 – was worthy of a Man of the Match award.
Hart has kept three clean sheets in his last four matches for the Hammers and has now conceded just six goals in eleven matches in an international jersey since the Three Lions exited Euro 2016.
The goalkeeper, making his 74th appearance for his country, overtook Gordon Banks in overall caps on Thursday and is now just behind two stoppers – Peter Shilton and David Seaman – in the appearance standings.
Aaron Cresswell, who was also named in Southgate’s squad, was left on the bench during Thursday’s clash and awaits his third England cap.
Marcus Rashford thought he had spurned England’s best chance to win the match, racing clear following Raheem Sterling’s pass just past the hour mark, but the Manchester United forward’s chip, despite evading the Slovenia goalkeeper, was cleared inside the six-yard-box.
Soon after, there was another opportunity to break the deadlock when the ball fell kindly to Raheem Sterling on the penalty spot, but the winger’s effort was terrifically blocked by visiting skipper Bostjan Cesar.
But deep into injury time, a lung-busting Walker run down the right yielded the all important goal as Kane – captain for the night – converted from close range.
It meant that Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Slovakia, thanks to a late Martin Skrtel own goal, was of little importance as the Three Lions celebrated securing their World Cup spot.
Southgate’s side have joined the likes of Brazil, Belgium and Mexico in securing their qualification to next summer’s tournament.
Should England No1 Hart be selected to travel to Russia next year, it will be the Manchester City loanee’s third World Cup and fifth major international tournament.
He did not feature under Fabio Capello in South Africa seven years ago, but has been England’s preferred choice between the sticks in all three competitions since.