As the whole debate wrangles on about who should be England’s Number One for the World Cup Finals the the stats for Joe Hart been Number One are stacked against him, but not because of his ability it seems to be his age to be a problem.
If Joe Hart was to play in this Summer’s World Cup Finals he would become England’s youngest Number One to play in the Finals. Here’s a look at ages of past Number Ones.
- In the 1950 World Cup Finals, 30 year-old Bert Williams was England’s Number One. He went on to earn 24 caps for England.
- In the 1954 Finals 32 year-old Gil Merrick was Number One. He earned 23 caps for England.
- In the 1958 Finals, 27 year-old Colin McDonald was Number One. He only won 8 caps for England.
- In the 1962 Finals 26year-old Ron Springett was Number One. He made 33 appearances for England.
- In the successful 1966 Finals 28 year-old Gordon Banks was England Number One. He won 73 caps for England.
- In the 1970 Finals 28 year-old Peter Bonetti replaced Gordon Banks as Number One. He only won 7 caps for England.
- Peter Shilton was England’s Number One for the ’82,’86′ and the ’90 World Finals, he was 32 years old in 1982, Shilton hold the record of most caps by an England player with 125 caps won.
- In the ’98 Finals 34 year-old David Seaman was Number One. He made 75 appearances for England.
- And finally in the 2006 Finals 26 year-old Paul Robinson became the youngest England Number One to appear for England in the World Cup Finals. He has 41 caps to his name.
But even though the stats are against Joe Hart I think he deserves his chance and has proven he is good enough this season with great performances for Birmingham this season confirming his ability.
