Rangers: Chris Sutton rubbishes Jack Butland talk at Ibrox, Kris Boyd responds on Sky Sports
Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd disagreed over whether Rangers keeper Jack Butland could make the England squad for the upcoming European Championships.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football on Tuesday (6 February, 07:34pm), Sutton said he didn’t think the 30-year-old would be included in Gareth Southgate’s squad despite admitting he’s been “excellent” for the Gers this season.
But Boyd admitted that he “wouldn’t rule it out” as Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal aren’t currently playing, while Nick Pope is currently out injured for Newcastle United.
“No, I think his form this season has been excellent, I agree with everything you’ve said,” said Sutton. “I think his temperament is really important. You play for Celtic or Rangers, you’ve got to handle atmospheres like this.
“Not saving a lot of shots and when he’s been called upon, he’s done really well. But I don’t think he’ll be going to the Euros, do you?”
“I really don’t know,” replied Boyd. “Pickford’s definitely number one, there’s no doubt about that. I look at Ramsdale on the bench at Arsenal, not really played a lot. Sam Johnstone was in the England squad last time, he’s not playing. I know Dean Henderson’s now playing, Nick Pope’s injured. Would I rule him out? No, I wouldn’t.”
“Is that a yes then?” asked Sutton.
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” said Boyd.
Why shouldn’t Jack Butland earn an England recall?
There were high hopes about how good Butland could be for Rangers when he made the move north of the border, but he has probably already surpassed those expectations.
After spending a number of years on the bench at Crystal Palace and then on loan at Manchester United last season, he was desperate to go out and earn some regular first-team football.
That is an opportunity the Gers provided him with and he certainly hasn’t disappointed so far, with his performances at least putting him in the reckoning for a first England call-up since 2018.
Given that several of the other options currently aren’t playing and he is in the best form he’s been in for years, there is no reason why he doesn’t deserve a chance.
The Englishman is a much more experienced keeper than he was six years ago and he could really add something to the group, even if he is unlikely to challenge Jordan Pickford for the number one spot.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has mooted a Gers move for a former Premier League forward after he’s torn up his contract.
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