Rangers: Jack Butland ‘extremely unlucky’ as brand new England update emerges
Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has revealed that he was told Rangers star Jack Butland was “extremely unlucky” not to make Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
Bridge explained that the England boss had deliberated whether to call upon Butland or Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, ultimately deciding on the latter.
However, it is said that the fact he was in contention should be a plus for Rangers as it proves he would not have to leave Scotland to achieve his international goals.
Speaking to Give Me Sport [28 March], Bridge shared: “I was told that he was extremely unlucky not to make this England squad. There was a lot of deliberating over whether him or Aaron Ramsdale should have taken that third spot.
“That tells me two things – he is doing ever so well this season, and you can get in the England squad by playing in Scotland, which is a huge plus for Rangers.”
Jack Butland England update emerges at Rangers
What we can take from Bridge’s claim is that Southgate sees Butland as the fourth-choice goalkeeper for England – perhaps slightly harshly given his impressive displays at Ibrox this season – but remains in with a chance of making the squad.
A recent injury to second-choice England goalkeeper and Crystal Palace starter Sam Johnstone may mean Butland moves higher up the pecking order, with current third-choice Ramsdale now second, and Butland into third.
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.
Given the fact England are expected to mount a legitimate challenge to win the European Championships, Butland could be involved in yet another trophy win this summer, having already lifted the Scottish League Cup, with both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup still on Rangers’ radar.
In other Rangers news, a new John Lundstram contract update has emerged amid transfer rumours.
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.