Jack Butland delighted to be back in England squad

Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland admits it is great to be back in the England fold after over a year out injured.

Butland suffered a serious ankle injury playing for England in the defeat to Germany in March 2016 but finally returned to Premier League action for the final five matches of the season.

National manager Gareth Southgate has now called him up to his squad for the World Cup Qualifier against Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday and the friendly away to France on June 13.
„It [feels] extremely good. It’s been a long time and I have got the Three Lions back on my chest again,“ said Butland.

„It has always been an honour and [will be] a proud moment for me and my family after some difficult times.

„I am just thoroughly enjoying being back and looking forward to the week ahead.“
Southgate took his squad away to Devon to train with the Royal Marines this week and Butland has backed the England manager’s willingness to try and find new ways to motivate and inspire his players.

„We want to achieve as much as we can but if you always prepare the same, you will get the same results,“ added Butland.

„I think that is something that Gareth lives by and it is important we stretch ourselves.
„The Marines talk about something called ‘disconnected expectations’, which is about the shock factor, being taken out of your comfort zone and then being able to perform as well as you can do.

„The staff, the kit man, the media guys, everyone was involved in everything we did and everyone learnt a lot about each other.“

The 24-year-old believes his friendly rivalry with fellow shot-stopper Joe Hart is positive for both players.
„I’ve known Joe for a long time – all the way from when I was in the youth team at Birmingham and he was on loan there from Man City – and we’ve always had a healthy relationship,“ he added.

„I think that bodes really well when we come into squads. I’m keen to do as well as I can and in turn that pushes him and likewise pushes me back.

„It’s really healthy and positive and it gets the best out of each other.“

Watch Scotland v England on Saturday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky Sports 5 HD at 4pm.