Hart praises England character

England keeper Joe Hart has praised the character of the national team after victories over Spain and Sweden.

An own goal by Sweden’s Daniel Majstorovic was enough for England to end the calendar year unbeaten, although Hart believes the goal should be given to club team-mate Gareth Barry, whose header the defender diverted in.

The Manchester City goalkeeper said he was pleased to have finished the year on a high and added he can now look forward to another tournament with the national side next summer having travelled to South Africa last year for the World Cup, where did not get a minute on the pitch.

“Two tough games and we’re happy to come through with two good wins,” Hart told reporters.

“Two different sides we played against and we showed two different characteristics to win.”

“Saturday was tough but we dominated (Sweden) a bit more. They were more of a threat from set pieces but I thought we dealt with them well and got the goal.”

“It’s a great record and we’re all very proud of that inside the camp.”

“But we just want to keep on winning games. We’d have liked to have won all nine but we can’t do that and fortunately we’re getting results.”

“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.”

Hart has 15 caps for England and has yet to taste defeat despite becoming the first-choice goalkeeper immediately after the World Cup.

The 24-year-old was joined by youngsters such as Kyle Walker and Phil Jones for Tuesday’s match against Sweden, and he hopes to see them begin to establish themselves in the national side.

He added: “It’s great. I’m really happy for the boys who got their chances.”

“It’s good that we’re getting new players in and there are great options for the manager.”