Hart 9-4 to be start for England at World Cup
THERE looks set to be an almighty scrap for the England goalkeeping gloves next season and Hills believe it is a battle that is most likely to be won by Jack Butland.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed Tom Heaton and Butland will each play 45 minutes against France in Tuesday’s international friendly, a decision he said was made before Joe Hart was criticised for his performance in Saturday’s 2-2 World Cup qualifier in Scotland.
Hills have shoved Hart out to 9-4 to start England’s first World Cup match – assuming they qualify for the finals in Russia – with Stoke stopper Butland rated the 11-8 favourite.
Fraser Forster looks way too short in the betting at 9-4, while Heaton can be backed at 5-1.
Southgate also gave a mention to Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford, who will keep goal for England at the European Under-21 Championship which starts in Poland on Friday.
Hart is the most experienced member of Southgate’s current squad with 71 caps but he clearly needs to find himself a new club with the 30-year-old surplus to requirements at Manchester City.
Coral are betting on where Hart, who spent last season on loan at Torino, will end up when he eventually leaves City with Everton the 2-1 favourites.
West Ham were cut to 6-1 from 14-1 to sign Hart, who is 5-1 to transfer to Liverpool and 6-1 to swap City for Chelsea. Betway are 1-2 that Hart leaves City before Wayne Rooney (6-4) departs Manchester United.
With Rooney seemingly out of the international picture, Harry Kane is looking to cement his position as captain of the national team after he scored an injury-time equaliser at Hampden Park on Saturday in his first match wearing the armband.
Southgate has said Kane will continue in the role against France tonight and the Tottenham striker is 2-1 to captain England in their first 2018 World Cup match.
Injured midfielder Jordan Henderson is the narrow 7-4 favourite with Chelsea defender Gary Cahill available at 9-2.