Hart insists his priority is West Ham, not England

Joe Hart has insisted he is focused on helping to keep West Ham in the Premier League and not winning back his England place.

The goalkeeper, on loan from Manchester City, was excellent in Sunday’s draw at Chelsea, seemingly boosting his World Cup chances.

But Hart said: “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.

“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.”

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 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.”