Jack Butland has vowed not to give up on his England dream despite missing out on an international recall.
The Rangers’ number one was generally expected to return for the first time since 2019, but he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s team for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone, and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale were all selected ahead of him, despite the latter making only six Premier League appearances this season.
Butland’s chances of making the Euro 2024 squad this summer are very slim, but the nine-times capped shotstopper swears he will battle on.
He told TNT Sports: “I haven’t had any discussions. If your name is being chucked in then you’re doing something right and, when I found out I wasn’t in the squad, it was back to normal to try and continue doing what I’ve been doing here. That’s the only reason I’ve been in the discussion in the first place.
“The moment it was released, all eyes were on this game (against Benfica). Could I, should I? It doesn’t really matter. I’ve worked hard and accomplished enough. Three outstanding goalkeepers will leave, and I’ll keep banging on the door.”
Butland got the terrible news just hours before Rangers were eliminated from the Europa League by Benfica, who won 1-0 at Ibrox. The 31-year-old continued: “We dominated the game here and drew at their place. A controversial penalty and own goal (in Lisbon), as well as a counterattack from one of our corners, have cost us the game.
“I am extremely proud of the lads.” Nobody gave us a chance, but we held our own and perhaps deserved better. If we had gone through with it, it would not have been a disservice.”
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