Joe Hart labels Hugo Lloris as 'top class goalkeeper'
England goalkeeper Joe Hart has revealed his admiration for France’s Hugo Lloris and has labelled him ‘world class’, in the FA official website. Undoubtedly two of the Premier League’s best shot-stoppers, Hart and Lloris are set to meet in an international friendly at the Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.
There were calls from many to cancel the international friendly between the two nations following the tragic events in Paris, but the French Football Federation(FFF) and England’s Football Association have decided to go ahead with the encounter in London on Tuesday. Both teams will have a chance to show solidarity in the wake of the recent tragedy.
The Manchester City keeper, who captained the Three Lions against Spain on Friday, believes England must come up against quality teams like France to prepare themselves for the Euro 2016 finals.
“We’ve had some tough friendlies, but that is what we have got to do. We’re going to have to play games like this if we are going to do anything special as a team,” Hart said in an interview.
“France are looking like a really strong side. I’ve played against a number of their players in the past – Paul Pogba for Juventus is a really good player, Anthony Martial has just come to United and looks very good – they have so many good players and cover all bases really.”
Â?Â?Lloris is a true leader: Hart
Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris will be on the opposite end at Wembley on Tuesday and Hart has revealed his admiration for his opponent. He has also admitted that Lloris is a top-class keeper and is well respected by his teammates in the national camp and his club.
“Obviously I’m a fan of Hugo Lloris in goal, he’s a top keeper, a leader, very quick and very effective,” he added.
“He’s been an established player for a very long time and is well thought of by his club and country because he’s captain of both.”
Hart thanks the loyal England supporters
The 28-year-old has taken time to praise the loyal England supporters and he expects a much bigger turnout for next summer’s tournament.
“With next year’s Finals being so close to home for our fans, I think it will be great for us and them,” he said.
“Travel can be difficult for international games, and costs a lot of money, so to have the opportunity to jump on a train to get to the games will be perfect.”
“Our support for England home and away is phenomenal and it can give you goosebumps, especially at tournaments.”
“So I’m really looking forward to that buzz and hopefully we are going to put people in a good frame of mind going into the tournament.”
“Optimism will be high so they will get right behind us as always,” he said.