Race is on for World Cup No.1 shirt LAND OF HOPE & GLORY
Butland: I’m gunning for Hart’s job PLANE SAILING
pressure on Hart in the build-up to the last Euros before a broken ankle suffered in Germany in March 2016 kept him out for 16 months, and it has been a long road back.
It was a surprise to some when Southgate insisted last month that Hart was still his No. 1 because Butland has been in such good form for Stoke. But Butland is confident he can lay down a marker in Lithuania, and he added: “For me, as a goalkeeper, you can’t really showcase anything. You have to deal with what comes.
“You have to be calm, consistent and there when you need to be.
“You don’t get the ball enough like the outfield players to influence things things. It’s about doing things right,right being that calming influence and coming away with a clean sheet and three points.
“From a goalkeeper’s point of view, it’s slightly different. I’m just looking to continue my club form and hopefully keep a clean sheet.
Setback
“If I don’t play much (for England) until now and next summer then I would still back myself either way.
“I will do as well as I can whenever I can. My motivation, my desire to keep playing and being as good as I can.
“The injury was a big setback for me at a time when I thought there was an opportunity to take the spot. That was tough, to miss 16 months in the end.
“I’m still only 24 and playing in the Premier League and i n the international set-up. What’s gone has gone. I’m looking forward to being successful for club and country.” ...and you’re finished!