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Joe Hart is England and Manchester City’s No.1 choice for goalkeeper. In the England’s first game in the 2014 World Cup, Hart had a solid game but England still came up short against Italy. England fans will be expected another solid game from Hart as England prepare to face Uruguay.
Here’s what you need to know about this star:
1. He Has to be Nicer to Ball Boys
Hart became an online star after England’s first World Cup game against Italy. After an Andrea Pirlo free kick hit the cross bar and went wide, Hart went to the retrieve the ball from behind the goal. The ball boy was slow to release the ball back to Hart for the goal kick, something the keeper didn’t like. Hart freaked out and cussed at the ball boy.
2. Hart’s Been a First-Choice Goalie Since he Was 17
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He began his career at lowly Shrewsbury Town, his hometown team. Despite being just 17, he managed to play his way into the first team. His prodigious rise saw him snapped up Manchester City (pre money days). He spent time on loan at a few other teams, notably Birmingham City. Eventually he was called back to Manchester City in 2010.
3. He Survived City’s Financial Revolution
Despite the massive financial investment that Manchester City received, the team still stuck by their young goalkeeper. Irish goalie Shay Given was brought in for big money but never solidified a position in the team. Hart is fondly remembered for his sensational performance against Spurs in the opening game of the 2010/11 EPL season. It was that game that made Hart the first-choice goalie for City.
4. He’s Been at a World Cup Before
Hart has played for England at U-19, U-21 level, before being called up to the senior team for the first time in 2008. Since then, he’s gone on to make 42 appearances for the Three Lions. He was in England’s roster for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but didn’t play. He did however start every game for England in the 2012 European Championship. When England was eliminated against Italy in a penalty shootout in the quarter finals, Hart famously let in Andrea Pirlo’s panenka penalty shot. Pirlo said afterwards that he felt Hart “had to get off his high horse,” and the scoring such a smartass shot would demoralize England.
5. Don’t Bring Your Kids to His Wedding
Kimberly Crew wag of Joe Hart pic.twitter.com/ISZtkUAcqQ
— football debate (@dbaker242424) June 13, 2014
He’s dating Kimberly Crew, the couple are due to be married in June 2015, a non-World Cup year. It has been reported that Hart has banned children from the couples impending nuptials ceremony. The wedding is set to take place in Tuscany, Italy. Maybe Andrea Pirlo will be invited?