Philippe Clement claims Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland “deserves” an England call – but only if Gareth Southgate thinks so!
The Rangers manager was speaking amid gatherings reports that the 30-year-old is set to be handed a Three Lions recall after a more than five year absence.
Jack Butland was once regarded as amongst the brightest young England talents and even earned nine caps for the country earlier in his career.
But spells on English Premier League benches between Crystal Palace and Manchester United have limited the goalkeeper in recent seasons.
Philippe Clement on Gareth Southgate
Now enjoying a renaissance at Rangers since moving in the summer, Philippe Clement believes Jack Butland is earning an England shout.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, the Ibrox boss was asked about those gathering Butland reports.
Claiming that the Rangers goalkeeper is a leader and influential player in the Ibrox dressing room, it’s clear Clement believes Butland has England quality.
But once again the Rangers boss put the decision at the door of England boss Gareth Southgate.
“I would love that he could be there,” said Clement. “Because he deserves it. He is ready in that way.
“If he deserves enough, that is the decision of (Gareth) Southgate of course. Yeah, he’s been really good for the team, although he had less job to do the last couple of weeks.
“He keeps the same concentration, the same seriousness. He’s important in the dressing room, in the trainings, and he’s going to be very important in the next couple of weeks and months.
“Because we have a lot of games to go and a lot of important games and you need people with personality.”
Jack Butland lines up England recall
It’s not the first time Philippe Clement has spoken so highly of England hopeful Jack Butland.
The Rangers manager has previously claimed that the stopper is one of two of the best goalkeepers he has ever worked with, alongside Simon Mignolet.
It’s high praise indeed from Philippe Clement and the form of Jack Butland has also even been discussed publicly by England manager Gareth Southgate.
It’s all pointing to a recall to the national team’s set-up ahead of Euro 2024, with March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on the horizon.
If Jack Butland is recalled by England, he’ll be the first player since Paul Gascoigne in 1996 to be called up to a Three Lions squad.
Jack Butland has also been discussing January exit links and a return to the Premier League this week, in comments which will be music to the ears of Rangers fans.
