Hammers #1 Abroad in October 2017: Hart, Cresswell shine for England

It was a solid international week for West Ham United’s top goalkeeper and left back Joe Hart and Aaron Cresswell, as both helped England close out their World Cup qualifying campaign for Russia 2018 with two victories.

Hart was in the net for the clinching game at home against Slovenia, as the Three Lions secured a late winner when Harry Kane continued his terrific goal scoring form in stoppage time. The Tottenham superstar, playing as England captain for the first time at Wembley, secured the winner with the tap in from close range in the fourth minute past the full 90 to send Gareth Southgate to his first World Cup as a manager. Cresswell did not play in that contest, but with qualification assured, it was inevitable that he would play for England during this international break.

And indeed, the 27-year-old was given the start ahead of Ryan Bertrand in England’s 1-0 comfortable victory at Lithuania. Without a doubt, he was proud to represent his nation, especially considering how competitive the left back situation is in the country at the moment.

Against a rather listless Lithuania attack, it was a comfortable night for Cresswell to wrap up a joyous week for him. He expressed how he and his goalkeeper hopefully will bring the positive vibes of the break with England to West Ham this week, ahead of the match against Burnley.

“A few of the West Ham lads have messaged me saying ‘Well done’ and of course family and friends as well,” Cresswell said. “It is my third cap but to start for your country is what you dream of when you are a little boy. Thankfully I have done that and felt I did OK.

“We didn’t know the team until late. We found out a couple of hours before the game. The family didn’t come over, they didn’t know if I was playing or not. I was delighted to see myself in the starting eleven and I want to kick on now.”