Rangers: Chris Sutton makes 'anti-Scottish' agenda claim in new Jack Butland England verdict
Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland may have been left out of England's squad for the March international fixtures because of an "anti-Scottish football agenda", according to Chris Sutton.
The English stopper has been touted to receive a first international call-up in five years for games against Brazil and Belgium, but was left out of the squad and was snubbed in favour of James Trafford after Sam Johnstone picked up an injury.
While Trafford was already training with the England under-21 side and therefore didn't have to travel to join Gareth Southgate's squad, Sutton has urged the Three Lions boss to watch Butland ahead of Euro 2024.
Speaking on It's All Kicking Off (28 March, 27:20) he said: "I don't know whether there is the usual anti-Scottish football agenda, but I think Jack Butland being overlooked I'm really surprised by that.
"I think this season he has been a major part, one of the biggest parts of Rangers' improvement under Philippe Clement, also when he's played in European football he has been very, very assured.
"With the injury situation at England with goalkeepers at this moment in time, I think Gareth should get his backside up to Scotland and really watch Butland closely because there is no way in my mind that James Trafford should be picked in a squad ahead of Jack Butland."
Will Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland go to Euro 2024 with England?
Rangers supporters are well within their rights to suggest that Butland is more than deserving of a place in the England squad this summer, but it may be best for Clement's squad if he remains in Glasgow instead.
A major tournament will only put more eyes on the Ibrox stopper who has already been linked with plenty of moves back to the Premier League. An international call-up will likely only increase the chances of a summer switch.
Should Johnstone miss Euro 2024 through injury as expected, Butland may well find himself back in Southgate's squad, especially with Nick Pope facing a race against time to get back to full fitness ahead of the trip to Germany.
But for now, the goalkeeper's focus, like the rest of his teammates in Glasgow, has to be on the remainder of the domestic season as the Gers still have a domestic treble and title to win in the coming months.
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