A BIT LATE KEEPERS’
ENGLAND v ITALY
GARETH SOUTHGATE doesn’t have enough fingers on both hands to count the number of reasons he craves a goalkeeper like Gianluigi Buffon.
Two qualities have defined the former Italian No.1’s long and glorious career – consistency and reliability.
Those are the same two qualities ours have lacked on the roundabout of England keepers used during the same period Buffon has led from the back.
Criticism
Since Buffon made his international debut in 1997, England have picked 17 different keepers between the posts.
This goes to prove just how good Buffon has been – and just how bad the standard of keeping in England has been.
It would be harsh to single out Jack Butland for specific criticism because the problems have been ongoing since long before he became a professional.
When Buffon was making his first appearance for the Italians, the Stoke stopper was barely out of nappies.
But the fact remains that with the World Cup approaching, Southgate is now holding an audition in goal between two candidates who haven’t come close to starring on the big stage.
Between them, Butland and Jordan Pickford have won nine caps and not made an appearance at a major tournament.
The last time England beat the Italians back in August 2012, Butland became our youngest international keeper at the age of 19.
Since then, Butland has made just five more appearances and is now 25. Buffon was on the bench last night, which is an achievement in