Jack Butland Vows Persistence After Missing England Squad Selection

Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland has expressed his unwavering determination to continue striving for a spot in the England national team, despite not being selected for the upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium. Butland, who has previously earned nine caps for England and served as Jordan Pickford's deputy during the 2018 World Cup, remains optimistic about his chances of making a late bid for this summer's European Championship.

Butland's last call-up to the national team was in 2019, and although he was not chosen by Gareth Southgate for the current squad—where Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Sam Johnstone have been selected as goalkeepers—he is not disheartened. Following Rangers' close Europa League match against Benfica, Butland shared his thoughts with TNT Sport. He revealed that there had been no discussions regarding a potential call-up but acknowledged that being considered is a testament to his performance on the field.

"No, no discussions. But if your name's being chucked in, it's because you're doing something right," Butland stated. Despite the setback of not being included in the squad, he emphasized his commitment to continue performing at his best for Rangers. "When I found out I wasn't in the squad, it was back to normal, continue trying to do what I do here. That's the only reason I've been in those discussions in the first place, because I've been playing and playing well," he added.

Butland also reflected on the quality of the goalkeepers selected for the national team, acknowledging their excellence. "Could I? Should I? It doesn't really matter. I've worked hard enough, I've done enough. Whatever the decision will be, there's three fantastic goalkeepers going," he remarked. Despite this recognition, Butland is not ready to give up on his aspirations and intends to persist in his efforts to earn a place in the England squad. "I'll just keep knocking on the door and see what happens," he concluded.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper's resilience and dedication serve as a reminder of the competitive nature of international football and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. As Butland continues to showcase his skills with Rangers, he remains hopeful that his performances will eventually lead to a return to the international stage.