Joe Hart just 2/1 to start for England in World Cup 2018 opener

Hammers stopper impressed at the weekend

West Ham United keeper Joe Hart picked up the plaudits in the Irons’ 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday. And that’s seen his odds of starting England’s World Cup 2018 opener cut by Coral.

The 30-year-old is now just 2/1 to start against Tunisia, having previously been a 7/2 shot. As it stands, Jordan Pickford is 4/5 favourite, while it’s 13/8 for Jack Butland to don the gloves against Nabil Maaloul’s men.

While he’s narrowly third in that market, it looks all-but-certain that the former Manchester City stopper will make the plane, at odds of 1/3.

Coral’s John Hill said: “After an outstanding display against Chelsea in the Premier League, the odds now suggest Joe Hart is back in contention to start in goal for England at the World Cup in a position which is probably causing Gareth Southgate the biggest headache going into this summer.”

Next up for West Ham is the visit of Stoke City. The Irons are Evens for victory, and another strong display from the experienced stopper could see his Three Lions odds trimmed again.

**To start in goal in first World Cup match

4/5 Jordan Pickford, 13/8 Jack Butland, 2/1 Joe Hart, 15/1 Nick Pope, 50/1 bar

**To make England World Cup squad

1/3 Joe Hart

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing