England qualified for Euro 2016 with three matches to spare, but goalkeeper Joe Hart says that achievement counts for nothing unless they win in France next summer.
After putting six past San Marino last month, the Three Lions continued their 100 per cent run in Group E against Switzerland and can now make it the perfect 10 with victories over Estonia on Friday at Wembley, and then Lithuania on Monday.
But, rather dwell on their successes so far, Hart's only aim is for his team to go on and win England's first major trophy since 1966 when they cross the channel.
England v Estonia
UEFA Euro 2016 Qualifier
7.45pm, Friday 9 October 2015
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Buy tickets here
“Crowning this all would be winning the tournament,” said the Manchester City stopper. “These are two games that we are looking to win, as we have done all the games so far, and we’ve accomplished that.
"It’s two more games working on the way we want to play in France, and then we move on.
“It’s still two games away from happening, but I don’t see it being that great an achievement unless we go and do well in the tournament itself.
“I definitely feel there is a great deal of belief in the squad. We feel good as a squad."
VIDEO: Joe Hart on why record breaker @WayneRooney would be a captain even without the armband
https://t.co/wzWfGCrn6K
— England (@england) October 7, 2015
He continued: “We’ve done well and picked ourselves up [since World Cup 2014]. We were very disappointed a couple of summers ago but football goes on, we’ve reacted in the right way and are trying to definitely build something.
“It’s a two-year plan and we’re halfway through that and need to put it right in the summer.”
Though Hart has established himself as England’s No1, so far winning 54 caps, he has fierce competition for his place in the team this week from Jack Butland and Tom Heaton.
Butland has been in majestic form for Stoke this season, keeping a clean sheet in last weekend’s win at Aston Villa.
And, though Hart admits he never likes to be rested, the 28-year-old knows Butland would be a more than adequate stand in.
“I want to play, I want to represent my country, that will never change,” he added. “But Jack has been fantastic.
“He’s a young guy that has played a lot of games for the Under-21s, he has captained the Under-21s, he has played a lot of Championship football. This year he has been one of Stoke’s top players.
“I’ve known him for several years and nothing surprises me about Jack and the progress he has made.”
Tickets for Friday's game are still available to buy online, visit www.TheFA.com/tickets to secure your seats for the Three Lions' final home Euro 2016 Qualifier.
