England goalkeeper Joe Hart focused on West Ham, not the World Cup
The 30-year-old is in danger of losing his England spot after being dropped by West Ham earlier this season, but he insists he is not thinking about this summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Joe Hart admits West Ham face a season-defining game against Stoke next week.
The Hammers grabbed a battling point at Chelsea on Sunday to give themselves a healthy six-point cushion above the relegation zone.
But next Monday they host fellow strugglers Stoke knowing a defeat would drag them right back into trouble ahead of a tricky run-in including fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
"We're moving in the right direction," said goalkeeper Hart.
"Next Monday against Stoke is our game of the season now. But that's the future, in the present we have 34 points, six ahead of the relegation zone and that's great for us."
Hart put in a man-of-the-match display against the Blues, making fine saves from Willian, Marcos Alonso and Olivier Giroud to preserve a point.
The 30-year-old is in danger of losing his England spot after being dropped by West Ham earlier this season, but he insists he is not thinking about this summer's 2018 World Cup.
"I'm very focused on West Ham at the moment, that's my job and that's what I'm here to do, to fight for this team," he added.
"We are creating a really good spirit in the team, right the way through, from the injured boys, the boys on the bench, we stick together on and off the pitch and Chelsea was a good example of that."
Javier Hernandez climbed off the bench to secure a 1-1 draw for the visitors after Cesar Azpilicueta put Chelsea ahead.
The reigning champions are 10 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having won just three matches since the turn of the year and face Southampton next weekend in a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup semi-final later this month.
Blues defender Antonio Rudiger said: "The thing is we have to start playing good football and winning games, because if we don't win games we cannot get in the top four.
"We have to try and turn this around and finish the season on a high. There's no other way. We have to go to Southampton and do our thing."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments