Rangers: Gareth Southgate ‘preference’ emerges as Jack Butland snubbed by England
Gareth Southgate’s decision to call up James Trafford ahead of Rangers’ Jack Butland into his England squad was due to the manager’s personal preference, according to the Daily Record.
The newspaper reported via its website on 25 March that Southgate prefers to promote from within, and Trafford’s presence in the under-21 squad meant he was already in the manager’s sights.
It is explained that Southgate tends to pull from the under-21s for replacement, as shown with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, so Trafford’s inclusion now should not harm Butland’s Euro 2024 hopes.
Rangers star Jack Butland snubbed by England again
Ahead of England’s friendly clash with Belgium, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone dropped out with an injury, providing what seemed like the perfect chance for Butland to earn the call-up that had been heavily rumoured ahead of the squad announcement.
However, with Trafford selected in his place, he may start to wonder whether he will ever make it back into Southgate’s plans. As Barry Ferguson insisted when the squad was announced, Butland must be disappointed with the outcome.
However, Southgate’s reasoning is understandable given the short notice and should have no bearing on whether Butland makes the squad for the Euros, especially if Johnstone’s injury issues linger through the rest of the domestic season.
Given his form for Rangers this season which has earned high praise from the likes of Ally McCoist, the goalkeeper has certainly done enough to put himself into consideration, and a strong end to the SPFL season could be enough to tip things in his favour.
In other Rangers news, the club could be set for a financial windfall after a Fabrizio Romano report.
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