Jack Butland: Is the goalkeeper Euros bound for England?

The name of Jack Butland has suddenly sprung up in contention for a spot in the England squad ahead of the Euros given his impressive form for Rangers.

Liverpool reject to Euros hopeful: A tumultuous journey Rangers’ Jack Butland.

Butland last appeared in between the sticks for England way back in 2018. Since then the 31-year-old has had a tumultuous journey. In 2020, the goalkeeper was eager to move on from his then club Stoke City and has even managed to make the shortlist of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. Despite being in the final year of his contract and Stoke City willing to bargain, the Reds eventually decided to pass on the opportunity.  Instead, Butland ended up shifting to Crystal Palace for a meager €1.1m.

The move was certainly set back for Butland’s aspirations of making it back to the England squad as he wasn’t even considered for the 2020 Euro by Southgate. However, it seemed that Jack Butland had finally found his big break as he arrived at Manchester United on loan in 2023 in the January transfer window of the 22/23 season. Unfortunately for the Englishman, the move wasn’t fruitful as he only managed to make United’s bench and failed to secure any playing time. In the summer he returned to Crystal Palace and seemed determined to restart his career in greener pastures. 

In the summer of 2023, Jack Butland decided to move away from the English Premier League and traveled across the border into Scotland where he signed a contract with the mighty Rangers. Since his arrival at Rangers, the Englishman has been able to display his quality in between the sticks as he has managed to keep an astounding 17 clean sheets in 29 games in the Scottish Premiership. His impressive form in goal has certainly raised eyebrows and caught the attention of England’s management as they look to find a replacement for the injured Sam Johnstone ahead of the Euros. 

Will Jack Butland return to the English camp for the Euros?

While many expected Butland to make the call-up for England in the March international break, the goalkeeper shockingly was left out by Southgate. However, after Sam Johnstone sustained an elbow injury on 25th March ruling him out for the Euros, the goalkeeper is yet again in contention for a spot in the English side. Jordan Pickford will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, but with Aaron Ramsdale losing his position as Arsenal’s number 1 and playing lesser minutes, Butland could end up as Southgate’s second-choice goalkeeper in the Euros in Germany. The Rangers’ goalkeeper will eagerly await Gareth Southgate’s call as he attempts to guide Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in three years. 

Also Read: Who is likely to make the England squad for Euro 2024? All you need to know