England take on an injury-depleted Russia at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome desperate to avoid a repeat of the 2014 World Cup when an opening defeat to Italy was followed by another, 2-1 reverse to Uruguay.
Russia are also anxious to put a miserable World Cup behind them.
In the year of the 50th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup triumph, their sole victory at a major finals, belief is growing that Hodgson’s young side can shock bigger favourites like Germany and Spain.
But Hart, one of the England campaigners stunned by the early return from Brazil, said winning their “most important game” will be key if they are to face Group B rivals Slovakia and Wales with confidence.
“Saturday is our most important game and then we’re going to look to set the group up,” Hart said at England’s base in Chantilly near Paris.
“And then we’re going to look to win every game that comes next and see where that takes us.”
For the Manchester City ‘keeper, being “ruthless at both ends of the pitch” will go a long way to making sure they do not return home earlier than anticipated.
“It probably stood out the most in the two games that we lost in the World Cup. We could have walked off easily with two victories, but we didn’t,” he added.
On paper, England start as favourites to make a winning start to the campaign.
