Joe Hart is expected to start for England against Malta

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Gareth Southgate is expected to start Joe Hart in goal against Malta on Friday
Southgate had hinted whoever starts against Malta will start against Slovakia
Hart's experience is thought to be vital despite a strong bond with Jack Butland

Published: 08:44 EDT, 31 August 2017 | Updated: 08:46 EDT, 31 August 2017

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Joe Hart is expected to remain in goal for England in their World Cup qualifier in Malta on Friday night despite the emergence of Stoke City's Jack Butland as a serious rival.

Manager Gareth Southgate has given the position of England No1 careful consideration with but is minded to stick with the most senior member of his squad despite Hart conceding 10 goals in his opening three Premier League games for West Ham.

The England boss has previously indicated that whoever wears the gloves for the game in Valletta will also be selected for next week's game against Slovakia at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate is set to start with Joe Hart (centre) for England's next World Cup qualifiers

Hart (right) in training today with the England squad ahead of Friday night's match with Malta

The news will come as a huge boost for 71-cap Hart who has been forced out on loan by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and was criticised in some quarters for conceding two free-kick goals against Scotland in England's last game.

However, Southgate regards Hart's experience as vital in a largely young England set-up even though he has a strong personal relationship with Butland, who captained England under-21s and has recovered well from a fractured ankle that saw him miss the majority of last season.

A third candidate, Jordan Pickford of Everton, pulled out of the England squad earlier in the week due to injury.

The keeper was in a focused mood at St George's Park today as he looks to add to his 71-caps

Hart's (left) experience is thought to be the reason he will get the nod over rival Jack Butland

Southgate's decision will give Hart hope that he can keep the jersey all the way to the World Cup finals in Russia next summer.

He is also one of the options for the England captaincy although Harry Kane wore the armband against Scotland.

Hart has been England's regular goalkeeper since the 2010 World Cup and won two Premier League titles with City.

Hart has made good saves since his loan move to West Ham despite the Hammers' poor start

But his world was turned upside-down by Guardiola's arrival at The Etihad in 2016, going on loan first to Torino in Serie A and then West Ham.

Although West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Newcastle on Saturday, Hart also made five good saves for his side and Butland was not at his best the following day when Stoke drew 1-1 with West Brom.