Hart joins up with England at St George’s Park tomorrow, preparing for the qualifiers against San Marino and most significantly Montenegro. He has had mixed reviews this season yet it would have been harsh to focus any criticism on the 25-year-old at Goodison Park yesterday. Everton were too determined and City too lacking in leaders outfield.Joe Hart has endured a strange season, being criticised by his Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini, and yet he could emerge as the man to ensure Roy Hodgson’s England stay on course for the World Cup. Hart began well, making a good punch clear from John Heitinga. He was then caught out by Leon Osman’s swerving shot, something that might be attempted again at St George’s Park this week. Hart looked flat-footed, watching the ball fly past him. Osman was quick to defend him afterwards, praising “a fantastic keeper.This season, Hart has not been in the imperious form that saw him voted by his peers into the PFA Team of the Year in 2009-2010 and 2011-12. He was beaten by Sunderland's Adam Johnson at the near post at the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day. He slipped up against Southampton, gifting the ball to Jason Puncheon and then failing to hold Rickie Lambert’s shot and Steven Davis scored. Like most keepers, Hart will analyse Osman’s goal but one of his many strengths is that he does not dwell darkly on any mistakes, perceived or real. Hart had little to occupy him in the second period, barring rushing out to clear a long ball from Jan Mucha and then watching helplessly as Nikica Jelavic’s shot looped over him.
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