Rangers: Michael Stewart backs Jack Butland for England vs Everton star Jordan Pickford
Michael Stewart backed Jack Butland for a place in the England squad as the Three Lions goalkeeping coach watched him as Rangers won in the Scottish Cup.
Speaking on the Viaplay Sports match coverage of the 2-0 win over Ayr United on 10 February the pundit argued the “commanding” Light Blues keeper has a strong case for inclusion by Gareth Southgate given his form since moving to Scotland in the summer.
Stewart also said that he is not a fan of long-time England number one Jordan Pickford, claiming that the Everton star makes “too many mistakes”, while Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale has lost his place at the Emirates to David Raya.
The former Hibs and Hearts midfielder said of England speculation (5.43pm): “I saw that, and I’ve got to be honest to say that I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be [called up].
“Ramsdale’s not playing at Arsenal. I’m looking at that squad and I don’t see any reason why Jack Butland shouldn’t be in the squad.”
Commentator Rory Hamilton then pointed out that Gareth Southgate’s goalkeeping coach was in attendance at Ibrox, before Alan Hutton added: “I think when he’s up here and he’s playing week in, week out at such a high level, and in Europe of course as well, he should have that opportunity to go and play for his national team.
“It’s nice to see. It obviously shines a light on Scottish football as well, how well he’s actually doing. So I think it’s good.”
“The other thing,” Stewart continued, “I’m not a massive Jordan Pickford fan. He’s clearly the number one but I look at Jack Butland and he looks like a commanding goalkeeper.
“Pickford for me just makes a few too many mistakes, although he is quite clearly the England number one. I think there is a case to be had that Jack Butland should at least be in that squad.”
Michael Stewart backs Rangers star Butland over Pickford for England
Southgate has already admitted that Butland, 30, is at least in the frame for a recall having last played for his country in 2018 [Daily Mail, 10 February].
And if Martyn Margetson was sent to watch the former Crystal Palace man in action at Ibrox it means they are taking him seriously as an option, even if the cup win won’t have showcased his skills to a great degree.
With Ramsdale not playing and Newcastle’s Nick Pope injured there seems every reason for Butland to get a look in after his revival in Glasgow this season.
The SPFL may not be the English Premier League but Butland is a key reason why Rangers have conceded a league-best 12 goals this season, five fewer than nearest comparison Celtic.
So a place in the squad in the build up to the Euros this summer seems a very realistic aim, even if actually dislodging Pickford as first choice might be pushing it.
The Goodison Park keeper, 29, divides opinion but has long been preferred by Southgate and has never really given the England manager reason to change his mind on that.
His on-pitch persona makes any error that much more obvious, especially in comparison to the demeanour of Butland, but the same criticism could arguably be levelled at Ramsdale.
Abdallah Sima would have had a strong case prior to his injury but Butland’s path is now clear to be the primary success of Michael Beale’s hit-and-miss summer transfer haul, and an England call up would recognise that.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart raged at Willie Collum for what he did at Ibrox in his first Light Blues match since the Old Firm derby.
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