Change of Hart led to Capello changing his opinion

Hart made his first competitive appearance for the Three Lions on Friday and produced a superb performance to ensure a clean sheet in the 4-0 Euro 2012 romp over Bulgaria at Wembley.

The display has led many to question why the 23-year-old was not called upon when England were having so many goalkeeping difficulties during the World Cup in South Africa, Capello having chosen Hart as his third choice, behind Robert Green and David James.

Yet the Italian's link with Hart, which goes back two years further, explains things.

The Manchester City star was handed his England debut in a summer friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, which was the start of an intense period which also saw him become first choice for his club until Shay Given arrived to ease Hart out of the frame.

It took a season on loan at Birmingham to catapult Hart back into the Three Lions picture, and also back into the City team at Given's expense.

And Capello says the youngster's attitude now is far removed from what it was – and far more acceptable.

"I remember when I selected him two years ago he was not the same player," said the England boss.

"He did not have the same focus on games or training.

"He probably started to play in the first XI too early. He started to think 'I am the best'.

"You have to understand what happens in the mind of the young player. Sometimes it is this. But in two years he has come back."

Capello was never seriously worried about Hart's progression.

He always felt the edge to the goalkeeper's attitude would ease with age.

What he was more interested in was the former Shrewsbury man's ability, which he felt was beyond question.

Still, progression has been swift.

Even last October, when Green had been sent off and James then suffered an injury after being introduced as a substitute in the Ukraine, Hart was overlooked.

He might have been in the original squad but when Ben Foster was called up as cover, Hart then had to stand by as the then Manchester United player was catapulted into the England starting line-up.

When Foster subsequently fell out of favour at Old Trafford, Hart was back in the queue, although impressive pre-tournament appearances against Mexico and Japan failed to get him any World Cup game time in South Africa.

However, that lack of action meant he felt able to return to duty quicker than expected with Manchester City.

More encouraging signs during City's pre-season tour of the United States led to Roberto Mancini selecting him above Given for the opening-day trip to Tottenham, by which time Capello had already decided Hart would be his first-choice with England too.

"Joe Hart is a really good keeper," said Capello.

"He improved a lot last year when he played at Birmingham. That was a really important period for him.

"With any young player, the most important thing is his quality. Now it is really up to him."

With Wayne Rooney confirmed as remaining with Capello's squad, 22 players are expected to travel today.

There will be no replacement for Michael Dawson, who has been ruled out for eight weeks with a knee ligament injury sustained during the second half of Friday's win against Bulgaria.

It puts Gary Cahill in line for his first start, although Matthew Upson and Joleon Lescott could also come into contention as partner for Phil Jagielka.

Watford goalkeeper Scott Loach will also travel after Capello confirmed West Brom's Scott Carson will not be returning after a family bereavement which forced his withdrawal on Thursday.

Gareth Bale claims Wales's next match in Group G – in which they will face England – cannot come quickly enough as the players look to atone for defeat in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier.

Manager John Toshack's position is under scrutiny after Wales suffered a demoralising 1-0 loss in Montenegro on Friday.

The result, even at such an early stage of the campaign, has placed huge emphasis on next month's home game with Bulgaria.

Toshack even admitted his side might not "have too much chance" of qualifying for the tournament if they do not beat a side thrashed 4-0 by England. The 61-year-old's tone was in marked contrast to his mood before the game when he had spoken glowingly of his maturing group of young players.

In-form Tottenham star Bale is one of the leading lights of the younger generation and he is anxious to get back into action.

The 21-year-old left-back or winger said: "It was a massive disappointment but it's one of those things. We didn't get any luck.

"I think we were expecting to come out of the game with something, just as the fans were.

"The pitch wasn't the best but it was the same for both teams.

"Hopefully, though, we can win the next game. We have to pick ourselves up now.

"The Bulgaria game is next month and the sooner the better. We'll be ready and prepared and we'll take that as it comes."

Wales have not played in the finals of a major tournament since 1958 and have grown used to having to play catch-up in qualification campaigns.

Captain Craig Bellamy, who won his 60th cap in the Podgorica loss, said: "Whether we deserved to lose or not, we have still started the group with no points.

"It's not unfamiliar territory because we've been down this road for a number of years."