Roy Hodgson: Joe Hart can be our Gordon Banks

England manager Roy Hodgson believes that Joe Hart must perform at his best if the Three Lions are to be successful at Euro 2012.

Hodgson holds Hart in the highest regard and mentioned the 25-year-old Manchester City stopper in the same breath goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks.

"If you look at the top England teams of the past we have often had a goalkeeper that people have suggested is one of the best in Europe or, in the case of Gordon Banks, one of the best in the world," he said.

"Joe Hart will be vital. His form for Manchester City has been superb. When he has played for England he has done very well.

"If we are to do well there is no doubt we will need Joe in top form. He produces the saves a normal keeper wouldn't. That lifts your team higher up. It also gives confidence."

Hart has been capped by England 18 times at senior level.