Hart plays down England injury fears

England goalkeeper Joe Hart says that his side’s injury crisis is not as bad as it is being portrayed in the media.

Reports had suggested that John Terry and Scott Parker were likely to miss England’s opening game of Euro 2012 against France, but Hart has played down those fears.

“You know, you read and hear about Scott Parker but you actually have to ask him, there’s nothing wrong with him,” Hart told reporters.

“He’s like, ‘No, not really’. So it’s interesting listening to him when you actually know the guy and see what’s going on, he’s absolutely fine.

“Everything is fine (with Terry). He doesn’t seem to be holding back.”

Hart seemed calm on who might start in defence for England and said he has been pleased with the defence in the build-up to the tournament.

“Whoever is picked to play for England seems to do a great job when I’m involved and I’ve been really happy in training and the game against Belgium,” he said.

Hart also commented on the fears of racism at the championships and said that the players would follow the lead of the officials should any incidents occur.

He said: “Our advice was just to get on with and let the referee deal with it. It’s not for us to deal with, it’s for the referee or UEFA to take it into their own hands. Fingers crossed we won’t have to deal with it.

“As I say, it is down to the referee, we can’t take the rules into our own hands and if the referee wants to walk off then we would follow him.”