Jack Butland believes he’s “closer” than ever to becoming the first Rangers player since Paul Gascoigne to be called up by England.
The Ibrox goalkeeper, 30, has been an inspired signing and has been one of Rangers’ most influential players this season.
Butland’s form has been so good that even Gareth Southgate has hinted that he’s in the running for an England recall, six years on from his last cap in 2018.
Should England opt to recall Jack Butland for the upcoming internationals, it’ll be the first time a Rangers player has made the Three Lions squad in almost 30 years.
You have to go back to 1996 when Rangers legend Paul Gascoigne was the last player to be called up to the England squad whilst an active player at Ibrox.
Jack Butland eyeing England recall
Speaking to BBC Sport, Jack Butland has been clear that an England recall is in his sights and that he doesn’t believe playing for Rangers will be an impossible hurdle to clear.
English football is notoriously arrogant when it comes to the game north of the border and for an outfield player earning a call-up to the squad is undoubtedly nigh on impossible.
But with ex-Celtic goalkeeper Fraser Forster the last Scottish-based player to be called up by England, there’s certainly hope for Jack Butland yet.
“It’s certainly closer now than it has been for the last three, four years,” said Jack Butland. “Maybe even five years.
“It’s as good as I’ve played in that period of time. I still know I am good enough to. People have been selected for England from Scotland before.
“So it’s not out of the question, but it’s also not a given either. It’s something I’ve made no secret about.
“I believe I probably should’ve had more caps than I’ve got (9). It’s not eating away at me, it’s not something that’s going to hold me back but it’s something that I would love to add to.
“I’ve been to major tournaments, I would love to go to another one. Still believe I can offer a lot, so it’s something that has still got great interest to me.
“But something all along this season, from early on this season, from when I was sort of asked the questions is that comes with doing my job here and that put me in the conversation, if that gets me in great, if it doesn’t then we just carry on.
“It would certainly be nice to maybe put the shirt back on again.”
Rangers goalkeeper heading for 10th cap?
Rangers fans will be backing Jack Butland for an England recall with the Three Lions a little short in the position heading into Euro 2024.
Everton number one Jack Pickford is the nation’s first choice goalkeeper as things stand and it’s expected to stay that way heading into the tournament in Germany.
But with back-up pair Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) and Sam Johnstone (Tottenham) both struggling for game-time it’s opened the door for Jack Butland.
All the sounds around the situation suggestion Super Jack Butland is heading for an England recall but we’ll just have to wait and see what Gareth Southgate decides.
England have an upcoming friendly double-header against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley, with Butland’s last cap coming against Switzerland in November 2018.
