Two members of a very select group of goalkeepers will come face-to-face at London Stadium on Monday evening.
Joe Hart and Robert Green are two of just four West Ham United stoppers to have represented England. To save you googling, 1923 FA Cup finalist Ted Hufton and early 2000s stopper David James were the other two.
Green and Hart were in the England squads for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – where they were joined by James – and UEFA Euro 2012, and the recently-signed Huddersfield Town ‘keeper is a big fan of his former Three Lions squad-mate.
“Joe’s character is a big one,” Green observed, speaking to the Official Matchday Programme for Monday’s Premier League showdown. “He’s a good lad. He’s a bubbly character and one that will always have a positive outlook, will always be a lively one in the dressing room and is good throughout the season.
“As a goalkeeper, he’s the best goalkeeper England have had for a number of years now and he’s been a fantastic stalwart wherever he’s been.
“He’s a Premier League winner and has 70-odd caps for England, and everything he has done he has been a success in, so I’m sure he’s looking at this season and wants to have another successful one to add to his career.”
Green, who made 241 appearances in Claret and Blue between 2006-12, is also looking forward to being reacquainted with the Claret and Blue Army, as well as the staff and players he worked alongside during a tumultuous period in Hammers history.
“It was a fantastic time and one I look back at fondly and I always look to see how their results are going and take an interest,” Green confirmed. “It’s a fantastic club and it will always be a part of my life and my family’s lives.”
*West Ham United’s Premier League fixture with Huddersfield Town will be shown live in the UK by Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, and across the world by the Premier League’s international broadcast partners. Kick-off is at 8pm BST.