Jack Butland will be disappointed if the Rangers goalkeeper hopes to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
That is according to Danny Murphy, the former Three Lions midfielder not particularly positive about Jack Butland’s chances of re-establishing himself in the national team set up after six years away.
Murphy believes that, with Jordan Pickford firmly established as Southgate’s number one and with Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone also regular squad members, there is simply no room in the England inn for Rangers’ in-form shot-stopper.
Rangers star Jack Butland tipped for England re-call
“He would deserve it (a call-up),” the ex-Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham ace tells talkSPORT (13 March, 12pm). “Because he has been playing well.
“But I don’t think he will go.”
If we are picking players on ‘form’ alone, there is no doubt that Butland deserves to be in the conversation. As Rangers legend Graeme Souness argues, there is very little to separate Butland and Pickford based on their performances over the last few months, the former Manchester United loanee adding to his growing collection of virtuoso displays with a ‘magnificent’ first-half during last week’s 2-2 Europa League draw at Benfica.
Southgate, much to the frustration of many supporters south of Hadrian’s Wall, is not a man who tends to deviate too much from his trusted few, however.
What’s more, Southgate’s preference for a goalkeeper capable of contributing in attack with those pinpoint diagonals means Ramsdale – despite his lack of game time at Arsenal – is likely to remain the go-to choice should a disaster befall Pickford.
The Euro 2020 runner-up has also chosen Nick Pope of Newcastle and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone in his roster recently, meaning Butland is probably fifth choice at best.
Southgate will pick his squad on Thursday
“He’s picked Sam Johnstone ahead of (Butland) more recently. He is a good keeper and I like him. He’s regained his place (at Palace) which says a lot about him,” Murphy adds.
“I think he will take Ramsdale, Southgate. I would bet on it. I’d bank on it.
“I think he likes Ramsdale. I think he arguably would be second-best with his feet of the England keepers. He is better than Butland with his feet. If Pickford was to get injured, I think he would pick Ramsdale.”
Southgate will announce his squad on Thursday at 2pm. The Three Lions will face Brazil and Belgium in two very intriguing friendly clashes later this month.
