Graeme Souness: Jack Butland opens door for new high-calibre Rangers signings at Ibrox
Graeme Souness hopes that Jack Butland will be the perfect argument against English players who are “snooty” about joining Rangers.
The former Crystal Palace shot-stopper, who arrived at Ibrox on a free transfer last summer, has had an incredible campaign in Scotland so far and has been tipped for an England call-up.
There is a general consensus that England players are more unlikely to be called up to the international team. However, Butland could be about to disprove this theory.
Writing for Daily Mail on Saturday (2 March, page 7 of pull-out), Souness said: “I hope Jack Butland’s performances for Rangers have not escaped Gareth Southgate’s notice because I believe he warrants consideration for England.
“His quality demonstrates to any English players who might be snooty about joining Rangers just what an excellent environment it is.”
Could Rangers’ Jack Butland be due an England call-up?
It would be fair to assume that Scottish Premiership stars are often overlooked by Southgate, with James Tavernier and Connor Goldson perfect examples at Ibrox.
The former has been an incredible servant for the club since joining in 2015, making 445 appearances to date, with 121 goals to his name from right-back. That is an incredible shift from defence, albeit many of his goals come from penalties.
Goldson is an incredible leader and has been since 2018, making 301 appearances for Rangers. Despite being 31 years of age, he has been in much better form than some of the centre-backs who are continuously called up.
That trend could be about to be broken by Butland, who has been tipped for a spot at Euro 2024, earning his first call-up since 2019. This is evidence that players can come to Scotland and still be considered for one of football’s greatest honours.
In other Rangers news, an Ianis Hagi transfer update has emerged.
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