Jack Butland irony shared amid events ongoing at Man City and Newcastle United
Jack Butland continued to impress in goal as Rangers saw off Panathinaikos in the Champions League.
The Gers came from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw in Greece, meaning they progress to the third round of qualifying as 3-1 aggregate winners.
Djeidi Gassama bagged another vital goal for Rangers, while Butland demonstrated his class between the sticks.
While the Englishman has had his doubters, the situations at Man City and Newcastle United open up an interesting debate.
Henry Winter raises Jack Butland point on Sky Sports News
Todd Cantwell reacted to another inspiring Butland performance and was clearly pleased for his former teammate.
The 32-year-old endured a tricky 2024/25 campaign, but then who didn’t as the Bears fell away without a whimper.
However, this season, the former Man United man has been a different beast and is staking his claim to Russell Martin.
Former Rangers man Peter Lovenkrands was full of praise for Butland and hailed his character after last season’s blip.
| Statistics | Total |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Saves | 5 |
| High claims | 4 |
| Saves from inside box | 4 |
| Accurate passes | 28/39 (72%) |
Journalist Henry Winter made an intriguing point about Butland and the goalkeeper merry-go-round this summer while speaking on Sky Sports News after the game on Wednesday night (30 July).
He said: “It’s ironic that we’ve been discussing James Trafford going to Manchester City, Aaron Ramsdale possibly going to Newcastle United, and Nick Pope being linked with moves elsewhere.
“Butland is almost like a forgotten England goalkeeper, but he put in another fantastic performance, especially in the first half.
“I can’t see him necessarily coming into the England fray, but it shows how the players are responding to Russell Martin.”
Does Butland have chance of England call up?
Understandably, many in England have forgotten about Butland, with his career seemingly fizzling out.
However, he has been reminding everyone exactly what he is capable of when he is at his best.
This season, the 32-year-old has a point to prove at Ibrox and is doing everything right to convince his new boss.
It begs the question, does he have a chance of being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad?
In the Three Lions’ last international, Tuchel opted for three goalkeepers who impressed last season:
- Jordan Pickford
- Dean Henderson
- James Trafford
Pickford is certainly number one, while the other two will need to continue to shine during the next campaign.
Trafford has secured a colossal move to Man City, while Henderson has performed admirably for Crystal Palace.
Of course, the former must cement himself as number one, while the latter has looked shaky for England.
While it is a long shot, Butland must have his eyes on the 2026 World Cup and continue his prolific form.
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