Roy Hodgson cautions Joe Hart over his place in the England squad

James Morrison of Scotland scores a goal past Joe Hart of England during the International Friendly match at Wembley Stadium

England manager Roy Hodgson has remarked that Joe Hart cannot take his place for granted in the national team.

According to the Express, the Three-lions coach Hodgson and his assistant Ray Lewington will be watching no.2 choice Ben Foster of West Bromwich Albion against Southampton tomorrow after stating that there are no “guarantees” Hart will retain his spot in the team.

During Wednesday’s friendly match against Scotland, Hart’s howler allowed James Morrison’s shot to slip through his hands, and even though England won that game 3-2 at Wembley, that mistake highlighted his performances for club and country since last season.

Hodgson is not averse to the idea of dropping him but apart from Foster, who was came out of international retirement earlier this year, there are very little options at his disposal.

England take on Moldova and Ukraine in crucial World Cup qualifiers next month, and Hodgson said: “I wouldn’t leave him [Hart] out of the next game because he made that mistake.

“Like everyone else, the competition for places is getting stronger. Joe’s place is as much open to competition as anyone else’s. I can’t give guarantees.

“I hope I am not going to be the type of guy who chops and changes at every mistake. I will be watching him closely and hopefully he will produce a few wonder games for City.”

Hodgson was equally critical of his team’s defence. Since Euro 2012, England have registered only three clean sheets in 12 matches and it has come against the likes of San Marino (twice) and Moldova.

Hodgson was particularly miffed with the amount of time Morrison got in the build-up to his goal.

“We defended it poorly,” he said.

“We didn’t do a good enough job in front of him [Hart]. Those balls have got to be blocked.”