The demise of Joe Hart has been sad to see.Once considered one of the best goalkeepers in world football, Hart has endured somewhat of a fall from grace in recent years.Upon Pep Guardiola's arrival at Manchester City in 2016, he was promptly cast out of the first team and was promptly shipped out on loan to Torino.And that seemed to knock his confidence to worrying levels. The Italian club declined on bringing him back the following season, and he has flattered to deceive on loan at West Ham this campaign too.But despite his poor form, Hart has continued to be called up to the England team, which quite frankly, no-one can quite understand.

HART CALLED UP AGAIN

Hart's form was so bad at the start of the season, that he was dropped in December, and has played backup to Adrian ever since.

In fact, before West Ham's match against Burnley on the weekend, Hart had not featured for the east Londoners in their previous 15 Premier League games. Even in their game on the weekend, Hart was criticised for his part on the away side's third goal when he fumbled a long range effort right into the path of Chris Wood.

But Southgate has kept faith in the 30-year-old, stating that his 'experience' is why he is still in the squad.

"Clearly the number one jersey is up for grabs," the England boss said earlier on Thursday.

"Joe (Hart) has had a difficult period with his club and he had to miss out on selection a few times when David Moyes came in.

"He's got a great number of caps and he's the most experienced keeper in our squad so we wanted to keep him around."

There's no doubt that he is the most experienced goalkeeper in the squad, but Hart's inconsistency proves he is no longer England's best option in goal. Not by a long shot.

And many fans vented their frustration on Twitter over Southgate's reasoning for keeping him in the squad.

TWITTER REACTS

SOUTHGATE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED HE'LL PICK ON MERIT

Southgate's inclusion of Hart in his latest England squad is all the more baffling when you take into consideration his reasons for dropping Jack Wilshere last November.

“I don’t know how you get in an England squad without getting in the Arsenal team," Southgate explained.

"There’s no question in our mind about Jack Wilshere’s ability, his football brain and his personality. We just need to see him playing regular league football before we think it’s right to put him back in."

Yet, Hart has been picked for the squad despite playing just once in his side's last 16 Premier League matches.

Explain that one, Gareth.