Hart will be in England squad, says Allardyce

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that Joe Hart is not in his first-team plans at Manchester City, but the goalkeeper can at least gain some reassurance that his place in the England squad is not yet under threat.

Sam Allardyce today said that Hart would definitely be in his first England squad that will be announced this week, but he didn't reveal whether the City 'keeper would be in the starting XI for England's tie against Slovakia.

When asked by 'Sky Sports' as to whether Hart would be in the squad, Allardyce said: "I think so. He'd be in the squad definitely but I won't know what we're going to do until I speak to Joe and that will be the same for most of the players.

"I want to know what frame of mind they're in and make the right selection for Slovakia away".

The new England manager went on to admit that it was a concern if players are not being selected for their club sides.

"I think the problem for any player that you want to select for England, not just in isolation, is that it's a concern if that player isn't playing for his team," he added.

"You have to have your doubts about that but I don't really know where he [Hart] lies in that process at the moment".

Does this mean Hart may lose his place in the England starting XI as well?