Retired goalkeeper Joe Hart is embarking on a new chapter in his career as a pundit for BBC Sport at Euro 2024. While he didn’t pursue coaching or managing, Hart still wants to give back to the sport by sharing his insights on the art of goalkeeping. He aims to educate people interested in the position and provide a goalkeeper’s perspective, which can differ significantly from that of an outfield player. Hart believes that analyzing a goal involves more than just blaming the keeper and wants to explore all the variables that can affect a goalkeeper, such as positioning, communication with defenders, and the movement of the ball.
Although Hart is new to punditry, he is eager to learn and improve. Despite recently retiring from professional football after a 20-year career, he feels strange being introduced as a former goalkeeper. This is his first time experiencing a tournament from the sidelines, and he’s looking forward to observing other players and teams. Hart believes that England has a strong chance of winning Euro 2024, as he knows many of the players personally and has witnessed their growth since his time with the squad. He also praises manager Gareth Southgate for his increased confidence and ability to create a positive and focused environment for the team.
In addition to England, Hart will be closely watching Scotland due to his former Celtic teammates’ presence in their squad. While he wants his pals to do well, he also has personal connections with players from various teams at the Euros and wishes them success regardless of their nationality. Unlike in the past, when he had to compete against friends on the pitch, this time Hart can simply enjoy seeing them perform on the biggest stage without the pressure of trying to outdo them.
Joe Hart’s role as a pundit at Euro 2024 allows him to share his expertise and provide valuable insights into the world of goalkeeping. As he watches the tournament unfold, he will not only analyze the performances of England and Scotland but also support his friends from other teams.