Rangers only had a single representative at Euro 2024 this summer, but fans felt that one key player in particular was unlucky not to earn a call-up.
Romania star Ianis Hagi was the Gers’ only representative in Germany even if he played the sum total of 15 minutes for the Ibrox side last season.
But the Alavés loanee might’ve been joined by Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland had things gone a little differently.
Whilst you can also include Scotland international John Souttar in the unlucky number who missed out on a call, Butland came as close as he has to the Three Lions squad in the best part of six years last campaign.
And now the 31-year-old Rangers stopper has been given some fresh hope that he might one day play for the European Championship finalists again after some huge news coming out of Wembley.
Butland received Euro 2024 snub
Whilst Gareth Southgate did make the trip north to see Jack Butland, the England manager decided against calling the stopper up to the England squad.
Watching from the stands in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Old Firm rivals Celtic, the frenetic affair wasn’t exactly Butland’s greatest game of the season.
Failing to convince Southgate to make the call, the issue isn’t just the fact that the England boss snubbed Butland.
But with Three Lions goalkeepers Nick Pope (Newcastle United) and Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace) ruled out of the tournament with injury, the summer was probably the Gers goalie’s best chance of a recall.
Eventually Southgate went with Burnley stopper James Trafford alongside number one Jordan Pickford (Everton) and Arsenal goalie Aaron Ramsdale.
Even Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson was included in the nation’s preliminary squad ahead of Butland before the tournament.
It was a firm message from Southgate about Butland’s status at Rangers and naturally raised nerves about the goalkeeper’s future.
Southgate takes England call
If Butland couldn’t get into the England squad under Southgate this summer, it’s likely he would never earn a recall under the manager.
But as Gareth Southgate steps down from the manager’s role with England, Butland’s chances have taken a post-Euro 2024 boost.
After eight years, 102 matches and two European Championship Finals, Southgate is now stepping down from the top job south of the border.
Whoever comes into the team will be tasked with putting their own stamp on the squad and perhaps the situation has piqued the interest of Jack Butland.
It’ll also be of interest to Rangers fans, who feel like the stopper might’ve been tempted by the Premier League with Butland open about his England ambitions.
A top player and a top goalkeeper, Philippe Clement was clear this week that only mega money would convince Rangers to sell Butland.
Let’s hope that the Rangers number one can convince whoever comes into the job in London that he’s can be just as valuable for England too.
