Joe Hart dismisses criticism of England's victory over Lithuania: 'Our goal is Russia'

Joe Hart says he was delighted to help England secure all three points against Lithuania, despite a far from vintage display at Wembley.

Jermain Defoe and Jamie Vardy were on target in either half to ensure the Three Lions tightened their grip on top spot in Group F.

But England were not at their best for long periods of the game, with Lithuania out to spoil the hosts' attacks rather than create their own.

Such tactics were to be expected from a team ranked 107th in the world and Hart has admitted the scoreline was not as spectacular as Gareth Southgate's side wanted it to be.

"It wasn't pretty," he told ITV. "I thought they were a better team than maybe they gave themselves credit for.

"We'd have loved to score five or six, but we didn't.

"They're frustrating afternoons for everyone - we appreciate the crowd today. We won the game, we're top of the group and our goal is Russia," he added.

England remain on course to secure a place at the 2018 World Cup, courtesy of 13 points from their opening five games.

Meanwhile, Hart wore the captain's armband at Wembley as skipper Wayne Rooney was not included in the latest squad due to injury.

But the Manchester City goalkeeper, who is currently on loan at Torino, is adamant Rooney remains the group's leader, despite ongoing questions about the Manchester United's man long-term future at international level.

"Wayne Rooney is our captain, I know that. It's obviously a proud moment to captain your country, but I know my place in this team.

"I just want to keep trying to perform to the best level," Hart said.