England Euro 12: Joe Hart Must Carry England to Knockout Stage

If England is going to make any noise in the 2012 European Championships, goalkeeper Joe Hart is going to have to play out of his mind. England has some talent on their roster, but that has been diluted by injuries. 

Hart can provide England with a sense of consistency, despite the injuries, by providing excellent play in the net. This is nothing new for Hart.

The 25-year-old just capped off a spectacular championship season with Manchester City. His steady play in goal was a huge factor in City passing and holding their EPL lead over mighty Manchester United. 

Hart's success is not limited to club play either. He has never minded the net for England in a loss. Eight times he has been the No. 1 goalkeeper for England, and eight times they have not been on the losing end of the outcome. 

Hart should have more international starts under his belt—most notably ones from the 2010 World Cup, but for reasons inexplicable to most, Fabio Capello chose to overlook him. 

He will not have to worry about Roy Hodgson doing the same thing. Here is Hodgson as quoted by The Telegraph's Henry Winter:

"

If we are to do well there is no doubt we will need Joe Hart in top form. If you look at the top England teams of the past and the teams that have done extremely well, we have often had a goalkeeper that people have suggested is one of the best goalkeepers in Europe or in the case of Gordon Banks, one of the best in the world.

"

Hodgson is not mincing any words here. Hodgson has the hopes of his team resting squarely on his shoulders. This is a lot of pressure for a 25-year-old and Hart has given us every reason to believe he is capable of handling it. 

With big pressure also comes the opportunity for huge rewards, which makes this is a pivotal tournament for Hart. It is a chance for him to start carving out a legacy that will be eternally celebrated, and one that could begin a new era in England football.