Butland: ‘I’m so honoured to wear Three Lions again’
GOALKEEPER Jack Butland admits he is desperate to make up for lost time after returning to the England fold.
The 24-year-old Stoke player had been sidelined for over a year before his comeback from a broken ankle at the end of last season.
He played in the Potters’ final five Premier League games after initially being injured playing for England in Germany in March 2016 and missing last year’s European Championship.
Butland was called up for the first time since his injury for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow and next week’s friendly in France after several set-backs and wants to make his mark again.
“It’s been a long time and I’ve got the three lions back on my chest – I’m wearing that shirt again, which always has been an honour,” said Butland, who has four caps.
“For me it was the drive and belief to get back. I wanted to make up for all the lost time, missing the Euros, missing so many Premier League games, getting back playing with friends and team-mates and making my family proud again.
“It’s not nice not to be able to do something you love for a long time. It can be a lonely place when you’re injured. What I missed was just being out there with my team-mates and experiencing the highs and the lows.
“It’s a proud moment for me and my family. To be back here after some difficult times is really good and I’m just thoroughly enjoying being back and looking forward to the week ahead.”
Butland was also involved as the squad and backroom staff spent the weekend at the Royal Marines’ Commando Training Centre in Devon.
It was a surprise trip – organised by boss Gareth Southgate - for the team but Butland believes it will have a positive impact.
He said: “It was tough but it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. We got to experience their way of life, the way they do things, their values and just how tight-knit they are as a family.
“The Marines talk about something called disconnected expectations – which is the shock factor. It’s being taken out of your comfort zone and being able to perform as well as you can do when you’re at your most fatigued.
“That was something that was big for us and being able to pull together.”