JACK Butland has been told his dream of being involved with England at the Euro 2024 finals this summer is not necessarily over and urged to keep playing well for Rangers in the remaining weeks of the season.
Butland, who won the last of his nine international caps back in 2018, was widely tipped to earn a recall by his country as a result of his inspired form for the Ibrox club at home and abroad during the 2023/24 campaign.
However, he was overlooked by Gareth Southgate, who named Jordan Pickford of Everton, Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal in his latest squad, for this month’s friendlies against Belgium and Brazil.
But former Manchester United defender Wes Brown, who won 23 caps for England between 1999 and 2010, feels the ex-Old Trafford goalkeeper should not give up hope of being in Germany in June.
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“It’s a very important position,” he said. “We all think Jordan Pickford will be the No1. After that, it’s probably comes down to whoever the manager has seen more of. We don’t know.
“It’s a tough position to judge because the keepers coming into the squad don’t necessarily play a lot. It’s pretty much Pickford starting most games. Maybe in the odd friendly here or there someone else gets in.
“It’s hard. Injuries are an obvious opportunity for him. If one of the guys in front of him picks up a knock. But it’s hard to say what his chances are.
“This is the last international break before the squad for the summer is picked. It will be difficult. But Gareth has brought Kobbie Mainoo in from nowhere. Can he do the same for Jack? I’m not sure. He just has to keep his head up and play well until the end of the season.”
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Asked if he thought Butland had been overlooked because he plays his club football in Scotland, Brown said: “I’m sure some people do think that, but I don’t think it’s the case with Gareth.
“The games might be of a higher level in the Premier League week in, week out. But ultimately if you’re a good keeper, you’re a good keeper.”
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