Rangers: Ally McCoist ‘Amazed’ as Jack Butland left out of England squad for ‘Nonsense’ reason
Ally McCoist has admitted to being “very surprised” that Rangers star Jack Butland was left out of the England squad for this month’s internationals.
The Ibrox stopper was expected to be named in the squad, but was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s 25-man list with Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale named ahead of him.
And while appearing on TNT Sports (14 March, 17:30) the Rangers legend admitted that he was “absolutely amazed” at Butland’s absence considering his form this season.
“I’m not in a position to tell Gareth his job, but I’m about to now,” he said. “I’m absolutely amazed that he is not in the England squad.”
Host Emma Dodds suggested that the reason could be because Butland isn’t as busy in the Scottish league, but McCoist wasn’t having that.
“That’s an absolute nonsense,” he said. “That’s nonsense. Along with that logic, maybe Sam Johnstone’s in the squad because he’s a busy goalkeeper with Palace. I’m not so sure.
“Ramsdale hasn’t been playing – Mikel Arteta’s made it abundantly clear that David Raya is his No. 1.
“Jack Butland has been playing on a regular basis up here. And in my opinion, has been playing extremely well. I’ve got to say, I’m very, very surprised, and disappointed for Jack that he’s not in the squad coming up for the two games.”
Absolute shambles for Butland to be left out
Gareth Southgate has often been criticised for clearly having favourites within the England setup, making it difficult for players to break into his squad even when they’re playing well.
We’ve all seen it with the likes of Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips when they weren’t playing regularly, and Jordan Henderson when he decided to head out to Saudi Arabia too.
But for Butland not to get the call up to the squad for this break after his form this season and the fact the others are playing at a lower level than him is simply embarrassing.
Pickford is the number one and that’s understandable considering his performances for the team in recent years, but there is no reason either Sam Johnstone or Aaron Ramsdale should be picked ahead of him.
Butland is competing for a title and playing in Europe at the highest level, while Johnstone only just won his place back at Crystal Palace and Ramsdale is warming the bench at Arsenal.
It’s a shambles of a decision, and well done to McCoist for calling it what it is – a nonsense.
In other Rangers news, McCoist absolutely stunned by ‘Unbelievable’ thing he saw in defeat vs Benfica.
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