Hart has slipped below Jack Butland in the race to make the plane to Russia and his odds are lengthening
There are 20 clubs in the Premier League, yet Joe Hart has the dubious honour of being 21st when it comes to his save percentage out of all goalkeepers. Stats like this have lead bookies to believe that his time as England’s number one could be ending.
Hart no longer is the goalkeeper with the shortest odds to make England’s squad for the 2018 World Cup. That distinction goes to Jack Butland, who is 2/7 to make the plane. Hart currently is 1/3 but this is a much longer price than the summer, when the West Ham man was 1/16.
The 30-year old is also under pressure from Jordan Pickford, who has impressed at Everton following his switch from Sunderland in pre-season. Pickford is 4/11, although in some places his odds are shorter than Hart’s at 1/4.
The best-backed goalie with punters however is Burnley’s Tom Heaton. 5% of bets placed in the last month have gone on Heaton, although his current injury may dampen any recent enthusiasm. If he can get back quickly and displace Nick Pope in the Clarets goal then there is every chance, but as it is the 31-year old is 5/1 to make the plane.
Oddschecker Spokesman George Elek: “Joe Hart has made the number one spot his own for England over the last seven years but with his form declining, it might be a case of sooner rather than later for a replacement. The Three Lions have an abundance of quality goalies and if enough of them perform well this season, Hart may not only be number one any more, he might not even be on the plane to Russia.”
