England goalkeeper Joe Hart has today given an indication that the side’s injury crisis is not as bad as it is being portrayed in the media.
Reports had suggested that John Terry and Scott Parker were likely to miss the opening game of Euro 2012 against France, but Hart has played down those fears.
“You know, you read and hear about Scott Parker but you actually have to ask him, there’s nothing wrong with him,” Hart told reporters.
“He’s like, ‘No, not really’. So it’s interesting listening to him when you actually know the guy and see what’s going on, he’s absolutely fine.
“Everything is fine [with Terry]. He doesn’t seem to be holding back”
Hart seemed calm on who might start in defence for England and admitted he has been pleased with the defence in the build-up to the tournament.
He added: “Whoever is picked to play for England seems to do a great job when I’m involved and I’ve been really happy in training and the game against Belgium.
“[Joleon] replaced Gary [Cahill] after about 15 minutes [against Belgium] and I thought he was outstanding. He worked really well with John Terry, who obviously came off with a bit to go and Jags came on a did great too.
“Yeah, it did work straight the way [against Belgium.] Obviously JT prefers to play on the left-hand side but you know, being right-footed and playing on the left-hand side is a little bit out there and a bit different so I’m pretty sure in his time playing he’s played on the right before and done brilliantly.
“It’s come to the stage where he’s able to pick and choose where he plays so John will fit nicely on the right-hand side.”
The England keeper also commented on the fears of racism at the championships and said that the players would follow the lead of the officials should any incidents occur.
He said: “Our advice was just to get on with and let the referee deal with it. It’s not for us to deal with, it’s for the referee or UEFA to take it into their own hands. Fingers crossed we won’t have to deal with it.
“As I say, it is down to the referee, we can’t take the rules into our own hands and if the referee wants to walk off then we would follow him.”
Hart also touched on the news that Jermain Defoe will return home for the funeral of his late father, and stated that everyone was thinking of him.
“It’s a tough one to hear this morning. Obviously like you said, our thoughts are with Jermaine and hopefully he gets all the time he needs to do whatever he needs to do.”