JEEPERS KEEPERS
Southgate admits concern over Euros back-up for Pickford... & reveals Rangers star Butland could return after SIX years in wilderness
GARETH SOUTHGATE is facing a keeper crisis ahead of the Euros.
And that could lead to a remarkable recall for Rangers goalie Jack Butland, who was dumped SIX YEARS ago.
Butland, who earned the last of his nine England caps in the 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland in September 2018, could even get a chance in next month’s friendlies with Belgium and Brazil.
England No.1 Jordan Pickford is the only keeper who is playing regularly ahead of Euro 2024 and that is clearly a major concern for Three Lions boss Southgate.
Arsenal stopper Aaron Ramsdale has lost his place at the Emirates to David Raya and is now sweating on his spot in the England squad.
Sam Johnstone, who has been regular back-up to Pickford, is also struggling for game-time at Crystal Palace.
Newcastle keeper Nick Pope has also been out long-term with injury and had slipped down the pecking order because of Southgate’s concerns over his kicking and distribution.
That means England could look again at 30-year-old Butland, who has been earning rave reviews for his displays since moving to Scotland. The former Stoke keeper has kept 19 clean sheets as Rangers push to regain the Scottish crown.
Butland moved to Rangers on a free transfer from Crystal Palace, where he made just 10 Premier League appearances in three years and spent the second half of last term on loan at Manchester United.
Butland was actually neck and neck with Pickford at
England level before Southgate opted to make Pickford his No.1 for the 2018 World Cup and the Rangers keeper has suffered through bad luck and injuries ever since. While Everton star Pickford is well established with England, Southgate would want adequate cover in case of injuries.
The England boss (left) said: “It is an issue for us and the situation is up in the air, so we have to make sure we’re watching everybody.
“Jack Butland is included in that because he’s obviously playing at a big club and is an experienced goalkeeper.
“It’s not an ideal situation with Aaron not playing, Sam at the moment not playing, and Nick injured.
We’ll have to see how that plays out.”
Butland’s return would be an incredible revival in the keeper’s fortunes and may also give renewed hope to Luton’s Ross Barkley that he could come back from the international wilderness following the ex-Everton and Chelsea man’s return to form.
Despite their keeper crisis,
England are 3-1 favourites for the European Championship, with France just behind at 7-2. England’s opening match of the tournament is against Serbia on June 16.