Butland up for battle of England keepers
Jack Butland has hailed the competition to be England’s goalkeeper at the World Cup and believes there are still four or five contenders fighting to be manager Gareth Southgate’s first choice in Russia.
The Stoke City stopper will start in goal for England in their friendly against Italy at Wembley today and is one of four keepers in Southgate’s squad alongside Jordan Pickford, Joe Hart and Nick Pope.
Everton’s Pickford played in Friday’s 1-0 win over the Netherlands and impressed with his distribution, an important attribute for Southgate, who wants the team to play out from the back and control possession.
“I thought Jordan played really well last Friday ... and it’s motivation for us all,” said Butland.
“It’s a great way to go into a World Cup. Whoever is selected will be coming in off a battle, which is what you want. It’s probably a four- or five-horse race still.”
Although Southgate is likely to field a much-changed side against the Italians, he will not deviate from his preferred three-at-theback formation, with John Stones expected to keep his place in central defence.
Stones has found playing time hard to come by for Man City of late, but is key to the way England are trying to play under Southgate, given his ability to pick a pass, and comfortable on the ball.
The 23-year-old has been frozen out of the City team by a combination of January signing Aymeric Laporte, the vastly improved Nicolas Otamendi and the return to fitness of skipper Vincent Kompany.
“It’s difficult,” Stones said of his lack of game time at club level. “Every player wants to play weekin, week-out, but I’ve had games here and there.
“I felt sharp and back to myself [against the Dutch]. We created a lot of chances from playing out [from the back] and that’s a massive thing.
“Everyone’s on board with it. If the odd mistake is made, you’ve got to stay mentally strong and not shy away from it.”
England open their World Cup campaign against Tunisia in Volgograd on June 18.–