Dzeko: Hart will save England

Edin Dzeko believes his Manchester City team-mate Joe Hart will prove to be Roy Hodgson’s most important player at Euro 2012.

Despite being selected for the 2010 World Cup, the 25-year-old is experiencing his first action at a major tournament for England having deputised for David James and Rob Green in South Africa.

Bosnia striker Dzeko, speaking exclusively to Goal.com, has backed Hart to shine at Euro 2012, calling him ‘one of the best goalkeepers England have ever had’.

“I think Joe is the key to any success England will have at this European Championship,” Dzeko said.

“For me he us one of the best goalkeepers England have ever had, and along with the new experienced coach will give England every chance to go far.

“We fire a lot of shots at Joe in training, including penalties and he does very well and makes a lot of saves – not always from me though!”

It is not only England who Dzeko has been watching at the tournament, however, with the 26-year-old passing on good wishes to all of his Etihad Stadium team-mates and tipping Germany to triumph on July 1.

“I’m not going to see every game, but the best games,” Dzeko added.

“Croatia, Germany, England and Spain are the teams where I have friends and team-mates.

“Of them I think David Silva (with Spain) and Nigel de Jong (Netherlands) have the best chance, but the main favourites for me are Germany with Spain and Holland also interesting as well.

“Mario Gomez has scored a lot of goals, and if he can keep his form-up then I think Germany will be very strong.

“But in football you never know, just look at Greece in 2004. I will follow it and just hope it’s a great championship.”