Rejected by Erik ten Hag and Manchester United Rangers star now England National Team Hero

Rejected by Erik ten Hag and Manchester United Rangers star now England National Team Hero

Gareth Southgate claims former Manchester United goalkeeper Jack Butland is in contention for another England call-up ahead of next month’s friendlies, citing a lack of active backup options for Jordan Pickford.

Butland joined for United in January 2023, but did not make his debut before joining Rangers from parent club Crystal Palace in the summer. The 30-year-old has played 38 matches this season, more than double his number from the previous three seasons.

Butland, who was brought in by Erik ten Hag after Martin Dubravka’s loan from Newcastle United was terminated early, has nine senior caps for his country, but has not been included in a squad for more than four years and has not featured since a 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland in November 2018.

However, Southgate has hinted that he may be in line for an outside surprise return,

considering that typical back-ups Sam Johnstone of Palace and Aaron Rasmdale of Arsenal are battling for playing time and Nick Pope is injured.

Burnley’s James Trafford and Palace shot-stopper Dean Henderson, formerly of United, are other potential candidates,

but Southgate claims Butland is still a possibility,

with England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson reintroducing the former Stoke City ‘keeper to his shortlist.

Southgate said of goalkeeper selection ahead of March’s games: “It is up in the air.” I can’t dispute it,

therefore we need to keep an eye on everyone, even Jack Butland, who obviously plays for a large club and is an accomplished goalkeeper.

“It’s not an ideal position with Aaron not playing, Sam not playing right now, and Nick injured. We’ll have to see how it turns out.”

Butland has preserved a clean sheet in half of his 38 outings this season,

including 15 in 24 Premier League games, conceding only 12 in total.

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