Butland’s got time on his side
England v Lithuania Today, 5pm
JACK BUTLAND insists he has got enough time to establish himself as England’s No.1 before next summer’s World Cup.
Butland, 24, will start against Lithuania tonight and does not hide from his ambition to succeed Joe Hart as first choice even if the clock is ticking.
Stoke keeper Butland, who made his competitive debut for England in Lithuania two years ago, is desperate to show tonight and in the next eight months that he should be first choice in Russia.
When asked whether he has got enough time to get the No1 shirt before next summer, Butland said: “I believe so, I don’t believe it’ll be purely on international form either.
“Obviously Joe is now our third most capped goalkeeper. He’s rightly had the No1 spot for a long time. I’m just here to challenge that.
“It’s really good between all of us keepers to be fair. We’re all after the same shirt but we’re keen to push each other to a high standard because that means success for us as a nation.
“We have brilliant rivalry but a great friendship too. Joe made some great saves against Slovenia and put in a really good performance for us which is what we want and I’m sure it would go the opposite way if someone else is in goal.”
Gareth Southgate will experiment in Vilnius with World Cup qualification guaranteed.
The England boss will use a back three, blood some youngsters and wants to look at Harry Winks and Harry Maguire.