Rangers: Philippe Clement details Jack Butland talks after development this week
Philippe Clement has revealed talks with Jack Butland after the Rangers goalkeeper was omitted from the latest England squad by Gareth Southgate on Thursday (14 March).
The Three Lions squad was released via X before the Gers Europa League clash with Benfica on Thursday, with Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale chosen.
Though Butland is likely to be disappointed not to be called up for England’s friendly fixtures against Brazil and Belgium, Clement was confident that his keeper has not lost focus at club level.
Speaking at a news conference following the Benfica clash in quotes reported by PLZ Soccer (15 March), the Belgian said: “It proves that in England they must have a lot of really good goalkeepers if he’s not there.
“I spoke with Jack shortly, but it was not really necessary because he was focused on the game, which he also showed. Those are the things in life. He continues to work hard for Rangers, so other things can come.
“I think the most positive thing is that, in the last couple of weeks, there were a lot of things written about Jack going to the England squad, and I didn’t hear anyone say – ‘that’s weird’.”
Does Jack Butland deserve an England spot for his Rangers displays?
Short answer – yes. Butland’s form has been exemplary this season, finally finding his feet after spending time as a back-up option at Crystal Palace and then on loan at Manchester United for the second half of last season.
The former Stoke City shot-stopper will absolutely be disappointed to not be called up for the first time since 2019, having been in great form for Rangers this season and really pushing his claim to be included.
With 17 Scottish Premiership clean sheets, the 31-year-old is way ahead of the rest of the pack in the league and has proven himself on the European stage, even despite Rangers losing out to Benfica in the round of 16 following a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
Of course, Clement is right to assume that there is a lot of quality when it comes to the goalkeeping trio that was called up by Southgate. However, it will still feel like a kick in the teeth, especially if the manager sticks to his word about choosing players based on form.
While Pickford is the clear number one in the national team, and Johnstone has regained his starting position at Selhurst Park, Ramsdale has been displaced in the Arsenal side by David Raya and has not earned his spot this season.
The 25-year-old has made just six league starts so far this season and has been blasted on several occasions for his limited performances, most recently making a huge error against Brentford.
Butland is a professional so there is no way that he would say anything, at least not in public. But the goalkeeping selection is certainly an interesting one.
In other Rangers news, a major shake-up has been mooted by Gers and Celtic after what happened recently in the transfer market.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.