England 'reaching for stars'

ENGLAND will "reach for the stars" at the European Championship, according to goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Roy Hodgson's squad is relatively young and inexperienced at international level, with the likes of Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Dele Alli and Eric Dier all set to play significant roles in France despite it being their first major tournament.

But ahead of Friday's friendly against Australia, the second of three warm-ups following the 2-1 win over Turkey, Hart was full of optimism.

The Manchester City number one may be one of just three players to possess 50 caps or more, beside Wayne Rooney and James Milner, but he is clear there should be no ceiling on the side's ambitions.

"That's my mindset, to win every game," he said.

OPTIMISTIC

"I'm obviously realistic that that's not necessarily going to happen, you can't win every game you play, but we're going to reach for the stars with this team, work hard and make that a realistic aim.

"The past is the past, it's about what is going to put us in the best position to win this tournament."

Hart's seniority, for the Three Lions and at club level with Manchester City, means he could have a key job in helping relative rookies like Danny Rose, John Stones and Nathaniel Clyne settle at the back but he insists nothing has changed for him.

"I've got a role whether it's John Terry playing in front or whether it's Stonesy starting his international career," he said.

"I always try and fulfil my role in the team.

"But I trust every single one of these players at this level. They've proved it at their Premier League clubs and deserve to be in the squad."