Nasri: Joe the alternative hero

Samir Nasri has admitted France are relieved they don’t have to face Wayne Rooney in their opening Euro 2012 clash on Monday but has singled out goalkeeper Joe Hart as the man who could prove to be an alternative hero for England if Roy Hodgson’s side are to upset the odds in Donetsk.

Rooney will undoubtedly be missed in a match England know they cannot afford to lose but the form and growing stature of Hart, who plays alongside Nasri at Manchester City, is now becoming the focus of attention not just inside the English camp but also outside too.

Nasri said: “I have been so impressed with Joe since I moved to City and we all know he will be England’s goalkeeper here — and we all know how good he is.