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Joe Hart keen to cherish England moments following difficult summer

Joe Hart had a quiet game
Image: England goalkeeper Joe Hart is looking forward to the future after a difficult summer

Joe Hart says he will continue to "cherish every moment" he plays for England after putting in a match of the match display against Slovenia.

Hart looked back to his best form on Tuesday night as England secured a 0-0 draw in Ljubljana, turning in a near-flawless display and producing arguably the finest save of his career. 

It was a far cry from the difficult summer the 29-year-old endured for England at Euro 2016, letting in soft goals against Wales and England's conquerors Iceland.

"The summer was difficult. I am gutted about how the summer went but it has gone now," Hart, who joined Italian side Torino in August on a season-long loan from Manchester City, said.

"Football moves quickly. You have to move on. I have done the same when I have won things, I have done the same when we have won leagues.

Joe Hart of England watches the ball as Gareth Bale of Wales scores his team's first goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match
Image: Hart was criticised for his performances at Euro 2016

"You have got to keep fighting. I will continue to keep fighting for my country. I cherish every moment I play and long may that continue.

"I just love diving around in goal. Being able to do it for my country is amazing and I remind myself of it every single time I pull on an England shirt."

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Much was made of Hart's frenetic demeanour before matches in the Euros, when he seemed to whip himself into a frenzy before stepping on the pitch.

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Southgate suggested he prefers the goalkeeper to be calm and Hart has seemingly ditched the histrionics in recent matches.

"I am trying to grow and I am trying to improve every single day," he said.

"I would have loved to have saved the two shots that I should have saved [during Euro 2016] but they are gone.

"I am going to try and rectify that by being in a good place. As a goalkeeper, you can't chase situations. 

Interim England Manager Gareth Southgate issues instruction to his players during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Group F v Slovenia
Image: Interim England manager Gareth Southgate wants his goalkeeper to provide a calm, reassuring presence

"On Saturday against Malta, I didn't have anything to do. Against Slovenia, I did. You have got to let the ball come to you as a keeper."

He had to do significantly more than that to deny Jasmin Kurtic early in the second half at Stozice Stadium.

His reaction to the goalbound header was superb, blocking the ball against the underside of the crossbar then palming it away a second time with his trailing hand.

England's goalkeeper Joe Hart (C) makes a save
Image: Hart produced a stunning save to keep the scoreline goalless

In the process he clattered the post, requiring treatment afterwards.

"Sometimes you will take a whack for it but I will do anything to keep the ball out of the net," he said.

"They hurt but we get up and get on with it."

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