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Euro 2012: Joe Hart says England are here to win tournament

Last updated on .From the section Euro 2012comments338

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.

England
Possession needed by each quarter-finalist to score a goal

"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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338 comments

  • Comment posted by U15106251, at 12:57 21 Jun 2012

    Good to hear this from Joe...

    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.

  • Comment posted by U14936911, at 13:01 21 Jun 2012

    @Ewok 63 To be fair, a lot of people (myself included) thought they'd struggle to make it out of the group, so even if they lose on Sunday I don't think we can get mad at them because relatively speaking it will still be a success considering the low expectations.

  • Comment posted by SensibleTed, at 15:45 21 Jun 2012

    (Before the Urkaine game the pundits were talking about who they were playing in the next round and you could see Roy Keane getting frustrated - this is what gets on the other home countries nerves and drives them to support the other team)

  • Comment posted by U14683552, at 12:55 21 Jun 2012

    Top 8 in Europe is about England's level. Top 4 would be punching above our weight but you never know- it could be our lucky year!

  • Comment posted by JWR, at 15:07 21 Jun 2012

    Cant believe some of the comments on this board. Would you prefer it if Joe Hart turned up and said 'Yeh we probably will go home, to be honest we are pretty rubbish and dont stand a chance'. Team win trophies not always just the talented. Case in point - The Netherlands. As professional sportsmen and as a team they should believe they can win if they do their best or shouldn't wear the jersey!

  • Comment posted by yorkshirekippy, at 15:42 21 Jun 2012

    Oh dear..we're World Beaters once again. I want England to win as much as the next fan but I went into this tournament thinking we hadn't a cat in hells chance. Lets not talk about world class players. You can't compare our lot to the likes of Spain and Germany. We play like a 2nd division side most of the time. But hey ho keep going England.

  • Comment posted by U14553629, at 14:20 21 Jun 2012

    At least they're talking positively and not engaging in stupid games attacking the manager as in 2010. A good squad and team ethic is always going to give you a chance.

  • Comment posted by blah, at 14:17 21 Jun 2012

    This is the most proud I have been of the English football team in a long time, for once they are showing resolve, playing consistently, not falling apart when they go behind.

    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!

  • Comment posted by U14355777, at 13:29 21 Jun 2012

    Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
    Francis of Assisi

    So there you have it!

  • Comment posted by U14978878, at 12:57 21 Jun 2012

    Easier than facing Spain but still a ruddy hard task. Cagey affair written all over it.

  • Comment posted by U15140470, at 18:09 21 Jun 2012

    Hello Scotsman here. I'm not an "anyone who plays England" scotsman either. But I must admit whilst i think its a trap style question it was really good to hear England just enjoying a little unexpected success rather than hear about them winning the tournament. I think it was nice to hear them take each game as it comes. It has shown success so far why aim past the next game!

  • Comment posted by U14832680, at 16:10 21 Jun 2012

    Italy v England is the highlight of the tournament so far. Both sides will give it their all, tactically and on the field. Good luck to Roy and lads !!

  • Comment posted by redpirate, at 15:57 21 Jun 2012

    106.rgdell
    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

  • Comment posted by SensibleTed, at 15:29 21 Jun 2012

    Think everyone needs to come back down to earth. Every team going into Euro 2012 went to win it. Some might have been more confident than others.

    Every team will be taking it game by game.

    I suggest the fans and the media do too.

  • Comment posted by 1974, at 14:55 21 Jun 2012

    Thought the 'strength' of this England squad was to keep expectations low...

  • Comment posted by macandra, at 13:16 21 Jun 2012

    why would a seeded team who've progressed from the group stage be considered to have exceeded expectations ?
    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.

  • Comment posted by U14355777, at 12:58 22 Jun 2012

    last post..
    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

  • Comment posted by davey bones, at 11:39 22 Jun 2012

    Now don't get carried away Joe, two extremely fortuitous wins against very poor teams and an undeserved draw against a French side that were only concerned with not losing, is hardly grounds for such optimism.
    England should feel elated that they have somehow fluffed their way this far.

  • Comment posted by U14355777, at 11:05 22 Jun 2012

    269 Big Jim Gravy

    Bet you`ll never get a job as a motivational speaker are you Victor Meldrew in disguise

  • Comment posted by U15293264, at 18:58 21 Jun 2012

    My prediction for this game is a narrow win for England, 1-0 or 2-1. These comment boards will be filled with endless posts about it being the most boring game of the tournament / England have absolutely no chance against Germany (predictions of 4-0 or upwards to the Germans) and pointing to the fact that Italy had 61% possession.

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