Euro 2024: Joe Hart’s Unusual Tattoo Before England vs Serbia Causes Stir Online

• Joe Hart created a buzz online after revealing his 'bizarre' tattoos before England's opening game of Euro 2024 against Serbia
• The former Manchester City goalkeeper, who was on punditry duty at the Arena Auf Schalke, has two blackwork tattoos on his arm
• England won the game, although with a slender, unconvincing margin, thanks to a bullet header from Jude Bellingham in the first half

Joe Hart managed to steal some of the spotlight from the current England stars ahead of their first game of Euro 2024 against Serbia on June 16.

Hart was on punditry duty for BBC Sports alongside Kelly Somers as he broke down what to expect of the new-look England side in the tournament.

Gareth Southgate dropped some of his regulars, such as Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, and Jack Grealish, to give opportunities to stars who performed exemplaryly well with the clubs last season.

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Hart was equally intrigued to see how Trent Alexander-Arnold would fare in his new midfield role alongside Declan Rice.

Joe Hart's tattoos cause stir

However, apart from his nuggets of tactical analysis and wisdom as a pundit, Hart became a talking point online for his tattoos. The 37-year-old, who announced his retirement at the end of last season, has two huge blacked-out tattoos on his arm known as the armour.

As Sportbible reports, the former Manchester City goalkeeper got the artwork in 2018. He acknowledged that many people might find it unusual but took solace from the fact that it represented who he was.

"I got my armour on now... let's see what's next. I understand it is not everyone's taste, but this represents me."

What Joe Hart's tattoos mean

The tattoo artist, Hanumatra Lemar, explained the reasoning behind the 'blackwork' artwork.

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"Blackwork is a tattoo choice, a lifestyle, and a philosophy, believing that less really is more and understanding that we should not be afraid to stand out in a world full of people trying to fit in.

This allows them (the client) to feel empowered and protected as though a layer of tattoo armour is placed upon them, creating a modern-day warrior ready for today's battles," as captured on the website.

Jude Bellingham explains his celebration vs Serbia

During the England game, Jude Bellingham was the difference maker, scoring the only goal of the contest in the 13th minute.

Bellingham explained the meaning of his celebration after the Real Madrid star performed a unique classy style with Alexander-Arnold.

Despite the win, the Three Lions will be hoping to put on a much-improved performance in their second game against Denmark on Thursday.