BUTLAND’S RELISHING FIGHT TO BE MAIN MAN
STOKE KEEPER GETS CHANCE TO STAKE CLAIM TO BE ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP NO 1 IN TOMORROW’S ITALY FRIENDLY –
will get it and we’re all trying to do our bit to make sure it’s us. “The manager will make his decision when he’s ready, until that time and even beyond that time we’ll all be battling to show who is best. “I think that’s a great way to go into a World Cup, the fact not knowing who it is just yet shows the competition is great and whoever it will be is going to be coming off a battle, which is what we want.” On the mood of friendly rivalry at play within the goalkeepers’ union, Butland added: “It’s a great group and we back each other – whoever it’s been in the team everyone has always supported them. “Ultimately that’s how you become a winning team and become successful. “It’s not by turning your head at people or being a bad egg, that doesn’t work for anyone.”
Italy were also the opponents when Butland made his England debut back in 2012, a 2-1 win in Berne.
At just 19, he became the most youthful player to ever wear the gloves for the Three Lions, but a series of injuries – notably a year-long ankle problem and a broken finger, both sustained of international duty – have seen him win just five more caps.
“Of course, six years ago, I was the youngest keeper to play for England and all of that, first cap, an incredible moment and I envisaged playing a lot more between then and now,” he said.
“But injuries happen and it was a massive setback for me. So I’ve dealt with bigger things than the odd (bad) performance, I’ve dealt with a hell of a long time out of the