Chris Sutton has admitted that he could not quite believe what recently happened to one Rangers star who has been a key figure in the success at Ibrox this season.
It has been a much better campaign for the Gers. The arrival of Philippe Clement has seen Rangers put themselves right into Scottish Premiership title contention.
Rangers currently sit one point off the summit. However, they do have a game in hand over the league leaders. And the top two boast the same goal difference.
What has been particularly impressive about Rangers this season has the form of their defence. The Light Blues conceded 37 goals in the top-flight last year.
Chris Sutton left stunned by what’s happened with Jack Butland
This time around however, they have only had to pick the ball out of the back of their net on 16 occasions. Jack Butland meanwhile, has kept 17 clean sheets.
The 31-year-old has been an inspired signing off the back of spells with Crystal Palace and Manchester United. And with that, some may have expected Butland to be in the latest England squad.
Instead, Gareth Southgate initially opted for what has become a regular trio of Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone.
That was perhaps not entirely unexpected. But when Johnstone withdrew during the international break due to injury, Southgate instead promoted James Trafford rather than turn to Butland.
Trafford is part of the Burnley side which looks set to return to the Championship at the first opportunity. And recently, the youngster has been dropped by Vincent Kompany.
With that, Chris Sutton has told It’s All Kicking Off that he cannot understand how Butland was not involved in this latest break.
“Nothing against James Trafford, but I’ve seen plenty of him and it’s been a difficult season for him. Difficult season for Burnley. But I think you can look at his indecision from crossed balls. You had the start of the season, watching him play out from the back with his feet is really excellent. But he’s a guy who’s lost confidence the longer the season has gone on. Hence why even his manager has realised that, and made a change,” he said.
“And I don’t know whether there’s the usual anti-Scottish football agenda, but I think that Jack Butland being overlooked, I’m really surprised at that. And I think this season he’s been a major part, one of the biggest parts of Rangers and their improvement under Philippe Clement.
“Also when he’s played in European football, he has been very, very assured. Of course, he has played for England before. With the injury situation with goalkeepers at this moment in time, I think Gareth should get his backside up to Scotland and really watch Butland closely. Because there’s no way in my mind that James Trafford should be being picked in a squad ahead of Jack Butland.”
Rangers star’s experience may have been beneficial
Of course, some may wonder what the big deal is. Third choice goalkeepers are rarely needed at major tournaments. So whoever gets that spot in Germany this summer is unlikely to see any game-time.
However, something will have gone seriously wrong for England if they do require their number three. And with that, it surely makes a lot more sense to have a much more experienced option in that role.
Butland has regained his form and confidence at Ibrox. And he is no stranger to the England fold. He has been to major tournaments with his country before. So it would have made sense to bring him ahead of Euro 2024 in case he is needed this summer.
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