England legend Shilton says Hart transplant possible if he doesn't improve
England goalkeeping legend and record appearance holder Peter Shilton says Joe Hart's No. 1 spot is at risk if he makes another blunder between the sticks.
Hart was at fault when he got hands to Gareth Bale's dipping and swerving free-kick on Thursday, only to palm it into the back of the net. Luckily for England, the Manchester City shot stopper's blushes were spared as Roy Hodgson's side stormed back to beat Wales 2-1.
"I hope it will have no effect," Shilton told Sky Sports. "Joe's a very experienced goalkeeper and he'd be the first to admit that it was a shot that he should have saved easily.
"Alright, it dipped a little bit, but he didn't get across his goal quick enough."
Hodgson said that Hart apologised to the team at halftime after feeling he could've saved the set piece, but that he received support from the rest of the squad. Shilton insists he is similarly understanding when it comes to Hart's plight, but says that the Shrewsbury Town academy graduate needs to improve his focus.
"I am a member of the goalkeeper's union and I know he also makes terrific saves, but I did think in that game, earlier on he dropped a routine cross and he didn't seem to have his concentration right, but he'll put that right for the next match," continued Shilton.
"If Joe makes another bad error then Roy Hodgson would have to look at (dropping him). No player is assured of their place, but Joe is one of those you'd probably put first on the team sheet."
Below Hart in the pecking order is Southampton's Fraser Forster and Burnley's Tom Heaton. Jack Butland appeared to be the greatest competition for Hart's starting XI place, but the Stoke City man was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury in England's friendly against Germany in March and therefore missed out on Euro 2016.
The Three Lions conclude their Group B commitments against Slovakia on Monday.