Joe Hart has said it is up to the England players to stop the “cynicism” surrounding the team after the success in qualifying for the World Cup was overshadowed by dampened fans during Thursday’s 1-0 victory against Slovenia at Wembley.
Hart admits he can understand the lack of faith among the nation’s football supporters.
“Yes, because I’m an England fan too,” Hart told reporters after the win against Slovenia.
“Walking off the field gutted at the last tournament, as a player I understand how people feel and it’s our job to change that.
“The only way we are going to do that is by doing well at a tournament.
“So people probably are going to be cynical, but at the back of peoples’ minds, with the cynicism, they also want to do us well.
“Even a negative report or a negative comment, people would love to flip that and be positive. It’s our job to give you the right to be positive.
“That wasn’t brilliant [against Slovenia], but we have qualified for a World Cup with a game to go. A lot of good teams won’t go to that World Cup, so we are pleased, but still know there is room for improvement.”
“I’m motivated anyway, but of course, we want to be part of that one special team that does something,” Hart said. “It’s not to prove anyone wrong, it’s to make people happy.
“There’s no better buzz than being part of a good national team.
“I really enjoyed the good memories of Euro 96. That was an amazing feeling and I’d love to give that to the fans.
“I’ve been a part of those great qualifying campaigns before then we’ve gone on to tournaments and we haven’t done it.
“But all our good ideas, all our good intentions, we are going to dig deep and get the best out of each other. But ultimately it’s about performing on the pitch and that’s what we have to do.”
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