Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims goalkeeper Jack Butland could “do a job” for England at Euro 2024.
But the Belgian manager was not going to be drawn into demanding Gareth Southgate listen to his advice when it comes to the 30-year-old form stopper.
Jack Butland has been a revelation in Glasgow ever since joining Rangers in the summer and the goalkeeper himself has admitted he has England ambitions.
But as things stand there is no suggestion south of the border that the Three Lions camp are considering Butland as an option, the stopper earning his ninth and final cap back in 2018.
Jack Butland would “do the job” for England
Heading into the weekend, quotes emerged from Philippe Clement on the situation of Jack Butland, who has been one of Rangers’ top performers this season.
Refusing to be drawn on Gareth Southgate’s selection, Philippe Clement simply praised the Ibrox goalkeeper’s qualities ahead of Euro 2024.
“What I don’t like is people telling me who I need to select so I’m not going to make that mistake for other managers,” said Clement. “But clearly if the national manager for England thinks he wants to select Jack, he will do the job.”
“He will do the job. He’s really the complete package.
“I’m really happy with the way Jack is performing, but also with who he is as a professional, how he acts in the dressing room. He’s an important part of the team. He gives confidence to the defenders.”
Rangers goalkeeper never close to January transfer
Heading into the weekend’s clash with Livingston, Philippe Clement was also asked about potential transfer interest in Jack Butland in the January window.
Reports had suggested that Premier League side Nottingham Forest had made an enquiry about the stopper as they hunted for a new goalkeeper.
Claiming that nothing landed on his desk, it’s clear Jack Butland is a player very highly-rated by the Rangers manager.
“Nobody called me,” said Clement. “But they don’t call me about these things.
“It’s not important, another positive point is that in January in general there were players who could go somewhere else and make a new step to interesting competitions and teams but they wanted to stay.
“So I think it’s also a big evolution for sure three months ago they wanted to leave. They feel they are in a good story and can do something special together.
“In that way, I am really happy about this January also. Sometimes players use every emotional reason why they want to go.
“It was the opposite because there were a few offers but the players said I want to stay at Rangers.”
Jack Butland has made 37 appearances for Rangers so far this season, conceding 28 goals and keeping 19 clean sheets.
