He might have only made his England debut last September, but Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is now considered the number one choice for the national side. Ahead of the game against Bulgaria on Friday, we spoke to Joe about playing in intense atmospheres and what he thinks of the new England goalkeeper shirt…

First of all, what do you think of the new top?

‘It’s lively! It reminds me a bit of the one David Seaman wore in Euro 96, but I don’t mind a bit of liveliness, I think it’s cool.’

Goalkeeper shirts tend to have a bit more going on….

‘Yeah, we tend to get the more colourful efforts. I think it’s nice, you can tell that there’s more effort put into the fit nowadays when you put it on, that side of things is great.’

You mentioned Euro 96, is that one of your first football memories?

‘Yeah, Euro 96 was one of the first big tournaments that I remember, because I was at the age where I understood what was going on, so I really enjoyed it. David Seaman was definitely the player that I looked up to as I was growing up, I sort of supported Arsenal because he was playing for them and, of course, I followed England as well. It was nice to watch him.’

How does it feel when you’re playing in another country, either for your club or for England?

‘You’re just not welcome really! You’re just there to lose the game in the eyes of the home fans, and when you go abroad it’s very different. You get some hostile atmospheres in England, but it’s completely different when you go abroad. With City we’ve had a few interesting experiences, some places that have been really hot, with a heavy police presence, but I enjoy playing in those atmospheres, it’s exciting.’

How do you try to deal with it?

‘I think it feeds your enthusiasm to be honest, I like being part of new things and new experiences so it encourages that. It’s really interesting, and there’s a few places that I’d like to play to see what it’s all about.’

Is it different for a keeper as opposed to an outfield player?

‘Yeah, you’ve got to be switched on constantly as a goalkeeper, especially when you’re playing for England or at a similar level. There’s times when you’re not doing something, but sometimes, particularly in away games, that can change in an instant and then there’s massive pressure on you. It’s exciting, and it’s great to be involved in it.’

How do you think the qualifying campaign has gone so far?

‘We’ve still got two away games to go – Bulgaria and Macedonia are going to be two massive games, in the kind of atmospheres that we’ve been talking about. I think if we can get through them and then take a look at where we are, we’ll have a much better idea, rather than looking at next summer yet.’

Is it more difficult when you’re playing for a team like England, when expectations are high?

‘Sometimes you do know that the team playing against you would take a draw, and they’re going to frustrate you, whereas we’re expected to win every game. So the longer it’s 0-0, it’s hard work, but you hope that the quality will shine through in the end.’

What do you think it will be like in Poland and the Ukraine next summer, if England qualify?

‘I was with the England U21 squad watching when England played the Ukraine, and it was one of the most lively atmospheres I’ve ever seen, so it’d certainly be interesting to be out there next summer and playing in that kind of atmosphere.’

Thanks to Joe for taking the time to talk to us, and best of luck to all the squad for the vital games against Bulgaria and Wales this week. The new England Away goalkeeper shirt is on sale now, and you can buy it direct from the Umbro website.