Gordon Banks: Joe Hart is one of the best goalkeepers in the world

Gordon Banks running with the torch during the 2012 Olympics

Legendary English goalkeeper Gordon Banks has given his backing to current England number 1 Joe Hart and insists that the Manchester City man is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

The 1966 World Cup winner stated that Hart will hold his own against Italy which will be led by an in form Mario Balotelli when the sides clash on Saturday.

“Joe Hart is our No.1 and has been ever since the 2010 World Cup, and I personally wouldn’t want anyone else in goal for us at this tournament,’ said Banks.

“He has to say to himself: ‘I got back into the team at City after being dropped, I had a decent season and won two trophies with my club and I’m in the England team and I have the chance to be a star of the World Cup here’.

“For me the others [Ben Foster and Fraser Forster] are good goalkeepers but Hart is by far and away the best in England at the minute and one of the best in the world.”

The 76-year-old also stated that England should not fear Italy, who will largely depend on the talents of Andrea Pirlo who scored a decisive penalty against the Three Lions in the quarter-finals of Euro 2012.

Banks also stated that Italy are not the force they once were and said: “I don’t think Italy are as good as they were a few years ago.

“We’ve got a chance [of beating them] but it will be a tight game that I feel we can get something out of.

“It’s important to do that to go into the next group game against Uruguay with a bit of confidence. A win in your opening game can do wonders.”

Banks attained cult status among England fans after he made a world class save to deny Pele, who was easily the best player in the world at that time, in the 1970 World Cup.