TELL ME IF I’M ENGLAND No1, BEGS BUTLAND

Pick Butland for Russia, Gareth, and tell him NOW Jamie Redknapp backed Butland in his column in Monday’s Verdict

JACK BUTLAND has urged Gareth Southgate to make a decision on his England goalkeeper well in advance of the World Cup.

The Stoke No 1, vying for the England gloves with others including Jordan Pickford and Joe Hart, believes a clear call would help the country’s cause.

‘There is an element from the goalkeeping side where you’ve got to know where things stand,’ Butland said.

‘It would give some clarity and I don’t think it would affect the group if people knew earlier. That is down to the manager whether he makes that decision in March or at the end of the season. Whether it’s public or not, it would be important for someone to know.

‘I don’t think there will be changes during the World Cup unless there are injuries. I’m sure he will nail down who the No 1 is and give that person the right amount of time to prepare for what’s ahead.’

Butland, 24, was in goal for England’s last qualifier in Lithuania for his sixth cap, while Pickford, 23, made his debut against Germany in November. Hart, who faced Brazil that month for his 75th cap, is suffering from being out of the West Ham side.

Uncapped Nick Pope is making a late claim through his Burnley displays, with his club team-mate Tom Heaton, who has three caps, another consideration having returned from injury. Manchester City’s Angus Gunn, on loan at Norwich, was called up in November.

Butland said he would ‘without a doubt’ like to start England’s World Cup opener against Tunisia on June 18, but added: ‘It’s a difficult subject to speak about because there are so many horses in i the race. It’s extremely unfortunate that t Joe is not playing, which obviously puts the question out there as to who is going to get it. But I don’t think about other o people, I never have. I believe if I’m doing d all I can, I will get opportunities.’

David Seaman, who played in goal at two World Cups for England, believes Hart’s lack of game time leaves England in a quandary, with neither Butland nor Pickford having enough experience.

‘It is a problem,’ he said. ‘And it’s going to become more of a problem the more Joe Hart doesn’t play.’

Asked whether Hart should start against Tunisia, Seaman replied: ‘If he starts playing. I’ll start questioning it if it stays like this, if he’s not playing at all.

‘It’s going to be a tough decision but I would always go with experience.’