The 30-year-old did not appear in a match for Man United during his tenure there, but he may make an unexpected comeback to the England team the following month
Because Jordan Pickford doesn’t have many viable backup alternatives, Gareth Southgate claims that former Man United custodian Jack Butland is a candidate for another England call-up before the friendlies next month.
Butland transferred to Rangers from parent club Crystal Palace in the summer after signing with United in January 2023 but failing to make his debut. More than twice as many games as he participated in the previous three campaigns, the 30-year-old has already played 38 this season.
Butland has nine senior caps for his country; however, he has not been included in a squad for more than four years and hasn’t played since a 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland in November 2018. Erik ten Hag brought Butland in when Martin Dubravka’s loan from Newcastle United ended early.
Nonetheless, considering that regular backups Sam Johnstone of Palace and Aaron Rasmdale of Arsenal are fighting for playing time while Nick Pope is out with an injury, Southgate has alluded to the possibility of an unexpected comeback.
Other plausible choices are Palace’s Dean Henderson, a former United player, and Burnley’s James Trafford, but Southgate insists Butland is still a possibility since England goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson has added the former Stoke City ‘keeper to his shortlist.
Regarding custodian selection before March’s fixtures, Southgate stated: “It is up in the air.” That’s undeniable, so once more we need to make sure we’re keeping an eye on everyone, even Jack Butland, who is undoubtedly playing for a major league team and is a skilled custodian.
“With Nick hurt, Sam not playing right now, and Aaron not playing, it’s not the best scenario. It remains to be seen how it transpires.
Despite only conceding 12 goals in the Premiership this season, Butland has preserved a clean sheet in half of his 38 games played thus far.
