Euro 2012: Joe Hart says England are here to win tournament
Last updated on .From the section Euro 2012
Joe Hart says England cannot be satisfied with merely reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.
Roy Hodgson's side have exceeded expectations by progressing to the knockout stage as group winners to set up a last-eight clash with Italy.
Hart, 25, says he and his England team-mates believe they can go even further.
"The whole point in coming here is not to keep people happy and off our backs," the goalkeeper said. "We are here to win."
Hart added: "We are not those guys [who settle for reaching the quarter-finals] - we are winners. We want to be successful for ourselves and make English people proud of their team.
"We would like to leave here having given everything. Whether that makes people happy, or keeps people off our backs, whatever. Just as long [as] we know we have given everything."
Hodgson has fashioned a side that is proving hard to beat, with England battling to a well-earned draw against France in their Group C opener before seeing off Sweden and co-hosts Ukraine to top the standings.
Few had backed England to progress to the last eight, let alone finish ahead of France, but Hart says that was never a view shared by himself or his team-mates.
"Regardless of what some people thought, that was nothing to do with the camp. There has been a group of people who did not think we would do well but for anyone who knew the players it is not a surprise and it is part of the plan," he said.
"We're growing with each game. We started well with the right ideas and right game-plans and we've executed them well."
Hart was also keen to highlight the part played by the small, but vocal, following England have at the tournament and believes their presence has played a part in the team surpassing expectations.
He said: "For me, walking out against Ukraine and seeing the whole sea of yellow but seeing that one corner of England fans all singing together, it means so much. When you see England fans it means the world, we appreciate it is difficult for them to come out here but we appreciate it."
Like England, Italy are unbeaten at the tournament so far, having finished second in Group C following draws with Spain and Croatia and a victory over the Republic of Ireland.
The Italians still boast a number of 2006 World Cup winners in their team, and Hart could find himself facing Manchester City team-mate Mario Balotelli.
But whoever lines up for Cesare Prandelli's side on Sunday, Hart is keen to stress that England will go into the game without fear.
"[Balotelli] could be a great threat, he's a great player," he added. "I've never actually played against the guy but it would be a lot of fun.
"Italy have a very good team, with a very good history and they are good team regardless of whoever they put out.
"[But] we do not fear anyone. We are a good team and we are here to do well."
Hart will also put himself up for penalty-taking duty, should the game go to spot-kicks.
"If they let me, I would put my name forward 100 per cent," he said. "Hopefully it won't come to that but I would back myself in a tournament.
"If penalties are required then so be it."
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As an England fan, i have to admit that i will be pleased and proud of topping the group and progressing, even if we do fall to Italy... But from the players, this is precisely the required attitude! It has been sadlylacking in recent years.
They are doing us proud this tournament. Here's hoping we can go one further and set up a cracking semi-final.
Why is it the English mentallity to constantly criticise the national team rather than get behind them? England have nothing to worry about any of the reaminaing teams, not one of them has dominated a match yet!
Francis of Assisi
So there you have it!
34 Minutes ago
You cant keep the ball, (agree!)
you only create chances from [.]mistakes from opposing teams.
I defy you to show me any goal that is not the result of a mistake from the opposition
Every team will be taking it game by game.
I suggest the fans and the media do too.
correctly cautious and low key up until this point and it's been so far so good, but that jingoistic sense onf entitlement's beginning to creep back in again - just leads to bigger sense of deflation when the time comes. just let things take their course.
On Sunday I will, Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone and prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone. Hope for a pulsating game with winner fully deserving victory. To any England Fan/Detractor put your pessimism aside enjoy the game, believe England can do this, enjoy the rollercoaster ride and lets have some bloody Fun, Win or Loose!! Was auch innmer sein wird, wird sein
England should feel elated that they have somehow fluffed their way this far.
Bet you`ll never get a job as a motivational speaker are you Victor Meldrew in disguise