Roy Hodgson: 'Joe Hart will thrive on competition'

England boss Roy Hodgson feels that his side's strength in goalkeeping depth will bring out the best in Joe Hart.

Hart was criticised for a lack of form last season and was dropped by Manchester City in favour of Costel Pantilimon, but he was able to keep his place in the Three Lions team due to a lack of a better alternative.

Fraser Forster and Ben Foster have both risen to the challenge of putting Hart under pressure, but Hodgson is adamant he will never choose the form player over the best quality option. He told reporters: "When Joe was under his severest criticism, Ben and Fraser weren't at the level of form they are now. I try to divorce form from quality. I've always believed in Joe's quality.

"There was a time when he was suffering from a lack of form and people suggested he might not keep his place but he never showed anything that would have led to me questioning him.

"These situations test the players out more than the coach. As a coach, it's good if you know who your best players are."

England face Slovenia in their Euro 2016 qualifying clash later today.