Butland is back for Southgate

JACK BUTLAND is poised for his first England call-up since suffering the ankle injury that kept him out for over a year. The Stoke keeper needed three operations after suffering the injury against Germany in March 2016 and returned to action last month. England manager Gareth Southgate, who worked with Butland at Under 21 level, sees him as a serious challenger for Joe Hart’s No 1 shirt. Southgate names his squad this afternoon for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland on June 10 and the friendly in France three days later. Wayne Rooney, who has played more regularly for Manchester United recently, is likely to miss out on the squad, which would cast serious doubt on his long-term international future. But club-mate Marcus Rashford is set to be included, meaning United boss Jose Mourinho has been granted his wish for the 19-year-old forward to sit out the Under 21 European Championship. A toe injury leaves Arsenal forward Danny Welbeck sweating on a potential international return, while Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend may miss out with an ankle problem.