GARETH Southgate insists he hasn't closed the door on Joe Hart's international career, despite his omission from the latest squad.

Hart has impressed since his move to Burnley in the summer and his form had put him in the frame for a Three Lions recall.

But although Southgate picked four goalkeepers for the Nations League double header with Croatia and Spain, Hart wasn't one of them, with Jordan Pickford, Alex McCarthy, Marcus Bettinelli, and Jack Butland.

"No, not at all," said Southgate, when asked if his decision to include Jack Butland over Burnley shot-stopper Hart signalled the end of Hart's England career.

"It's continuity from the squad we picked last month. Jack started our last game so to suddenly leave him out of the squad because he's playing in the Championship wouldn't be appropriate.

"From Joe's perspective, we don't need to see Joe in a game at this stage to know what he can do.

"I think it's great that he looks very settled. The move to Burnley has obviously worked for him - he looks confident in his game.

"There's no way that, long term, Joe is ruled out. I just think at this moment in time it makes sense to look at the other three guys underneath Jordan (Pickford)."