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Joe Hart captains England for World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania

England's Joe Hart plays the ball during a friendly football match between Germany and England on March 22, 2017
Image: Joe Hart is currently on loan at Serie A side Torino from Manchester City

Joe Hart will captain England in their World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on Sunday.

The 29-year-old goalkeeper - currently on loan at Torino after losing his place at Manchester City - takes over from Gary Cahill, who skippered the side in the midweek defeat in Germany.

Hart has captained England a number of times before - the first time being against Spain in late 2015 - and Gareth Southgate has suggested he wants to revolve the captaincy around the squad.

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The England boss said: "I did have to think seriously because we have a squad now with some emerging leaders.

"I've talked before about sharing the responsibility around the squad, and even some of the youngest players coming in have been able to talk openly in front of everybody this week, which is a good sign.

"Joe is our most capped international. He has shown great maturity in the way he has recovered from his own disappointment last summer. It's a good moment for him. He's playing well for his club and his performances for us have been excellent.

"Some people will question a goalkeeper as being captain but I did it with Jack Butland in the U21s and in the end you are looking for the professionalism and impact during the week, not just on a match day."

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Hart has played in all four of England's qualifying matches in the competition, as well as the 2-2 friendly draw with Spain and Wednesday's 1-0 defeat in Germany.

He is enjoying working under Southgate and praised the former England centre-back for being prepared to make tactical changes within the side.

"I loved the fact that we tried something new - a formation I have not personally played before," said Hart.

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"It has obviously come to light a lot more with how well Chelsea have played it and what [Antonio] Conte has brought to the Premier League.

"It was for a reason, it was to play against the world champions who have been together since I played in the U21s all those years ago. It wasn't just for the sake of it, it was to combat a good team and it worked well."

Watch highlights of England v Lithuania on Sky Sports 1 HD from 10pm on Sunday.

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