Jack Butland admits an England cap call would the ‘icing on the cake’ for him this term as he detailed the Rangers love affair that has sparked prospects of an international return.
The 30-year-old is in line to be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium after a stunning campaign that has seen him lead by example on and off the park at Ibrox.
Butland made another match-winning stop in the victory over Kilmarnock on Wednesday night as Philippe Clement’s side maintained their two point lead over Celtic in the title race. It was the latest eye-catching moment in a season to remember for Butland and he is now poised to return to the international arena more than five years after his last outing for his country.
Boss Southgate is assessing his options between the sticks at present amid doubts over Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope ahead of the European Championship this summer. Butland could get a chance to earn a seat on the flight to Germany and the former Stoke and Crystal Palace star is enthused by the prospect of pulling on the jersey once again.
“It doesn’t seem that way to me quite yet,” Butland said when asked if a recall was now a certainty. “But it would be amazing. I have always said I would love to get back there and be part of that again. I have never shied away from that.
“I have always said that my performances, and playing regularly, had to come first. But if that’s enough to get me picked again then I’ll gladly put the kit back on and get back in the squad.
“I think the squad will be announced in two weeks, as it usually is on the Thursday before, and it would be really nice to be selected. I’ve not had any contact with anybody. But should it happen, it would give me a huge boost, there’s no doubt about that.
“I’m in a great place, I’m loving my football, and loving how I’m doing and how I’m playing. I’m loving the general feel of everything here at Rangers. And it would be the icing on the cake if I could get back in there with England.”
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