England vs Iceland: Joe Hart says players 'will get a lot of flak and we deserve it' after Euro 2016 horror show

Hart was at fault for Iceland's second goal and will find his place as England No 1 under serious threat

Joe Hart has defended his England teammates but believes they deserve to get a lot of 'flak' for their Euro 2016 exit (Getty)

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has defended himself and his teammates against accusations that they lacked the desire to beat Iceland after their Euro 2016 elimination.

Hart's goalkeeping in the tournament has been poor, with two identical errors allowing Wales and Iceland goals when he dived to his left. But asked if Iceland had wanted the victory more, he said: "It's not a question of wanting it. There's nothing we want more."

Hart admitted that they have out the national team "in a new low place" and acknowledged that declaring the side had desire needed to be matched by actions.

He said: "They are just words. We were in a good place but we haven't done it. We will get a lot of flak and we deserve it. We will learn from this and try and bring English football back to where it belongs."

Hart was so insecure in his goalkeeping by half-time that his withdrawal for the second half in Nice was not unconceivable. Stoke City's Jack Butland will now be pushing Hart very hard for the gloves, when England's World Cup qualifying campaign begins. Butland was injured during a pre-tournament friendly against Germany and is already back in training at Stoke.

Hart admitted that he "did not perform" in the 2-1 defeat to Iceland.

He said: "All the plans are put in place, we knew everything about Iceland but ultimately we didn't perform. Personally I didn't perform.

"We just couldn't find a way back into the game. The next manager has a tough job on his hands. We worked hard but with no success. That is how this team will be remembered."