Jack Butland targets England No 1 spot after injury return

Jack Butland wants to dislodge England No 1 Joe Hart before the 2018 World Cup, and declared „bring on the competition“.

The Stoke goalkeeper shared duties with Tom Heaton in Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat by France in Paris, playing the second half to claim a first international cap since breaking his ankle in Germany last March.

Manager Gareth Southgate stressed the decision to run the rule over the pair did not mean Hart had lost his first-choice status but his club future remains in doubt, with no apparent way back for him at Manchester City and no obvious destination for next season.
Butland conceded the winning goal at the Stade de France but made a couple of important saves and twice rushed from his box to clear danger as 10-man France surged forward.

„It’s no secret I want to be number one,“ Butland said.

„Of course that’s my target. I’ve never shied away from that and always said that’s where I want to be. That’s my main focus.

„The injury meant I lost a whole season and a European Championship, which was my goal after my first full season in the Premier League – to be number one for the tournament last summer.
„Now the focus turns to staying fit, having a good season with Stoke and the World Cup; that’s where I want to be, representing my country at a World Cup and I want to win.

„The manager’s decision is down to the manager but I can only do my bit and make sure I’m putting my name forward by doing as well as I can.“

England’s goalkeeping options extend beyond those used against Scotland and France with Fraser Forster an unused fourth ‘keeper in the current squad, as well as Jordan Pickford, who could be on his way to Everton after the Toffees agreed a fee with Sunderland.

Butland sees further challengers emerging from the next generation but is more than happy to scrap for his spot in the pecking order.
„For years we’ve had ‘keepers criticised in England but we’ve got plenty coming through,“ he added.

„Freddie [Woodman] has just won the U20 World Cup, there’s the other U20 keepers Angus Gunn and Jonny Mitchell too. The key thing for them is getting games.

„Jordan now has that with Everton, Angus has been on loan at Norwich and what Freddie does next season is important for him.

„But it’s brilliant to see them doing well. Bring on the competition, it’s good for me.“