With Rangers’ grip on top spot on the line, Jack Butland sent a message to England manager Gareth Southgate with a wonder save in Kilmarnock.
The Gers went into the interval 1-0 down at Rugby Park and it was an uncertain evening for the club against Derek McInnes’ stubborn and disciplined Kilmarnock team.
Rangers struggled to settle against Killie, who were good value for their lead, and Butland has since revealed a stirring half-time reminder refocused Rangers’ aims at the break.
But if the goalkeeper hadn’t made a wonder stop to halt Kilmarnock’s Marley Watkins just moments into the second period, then Rangers might’ve finally slipped up in 2024 under Philippe Clement.
Jack Butland proves England Euro 2024 credentials
Getting down low to save Watkins’ goal-bound shot, the Jack Butland save sums up exactly why England manager Gareth Southgate has a Euro 2024 eye on the Rangers goalkeeper.
It’s been over five years since nine-times capped Jack Butland was in a Three Lions squad and reports have suggested he’s heading for a call-up for the friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.
And if Gareth Southgate was in any doubt about the goalkeeper’s match winning credentials, he need only have glanced at Rangers’ eventual 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock.
Had Jack Butland not halted the Kilmarnock attacker, Rangers would’ve had a two-goal mountain to climb and potentially lost grip on top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
The save proves that Jack Butland is a goalkeeper for the big moments and proves beyond any lingering doubt that he has the star quality to be a part of England’s Euro 2024 plans.
Rangers goalkeeper plays crucial Kilmarnock role
It was a monumental contribution from the Rangers goalkeeper and wasn’t missed by Killie boss Derek McInnes.
The Killie manager claimed the quality exemplified by the Jack Butland save was the difference between the two sides and the Rangers goalkeeper himself was asked about the moment after the game.
Butland described it as a “huge moment” and suggested the rest of the team took confidence from it to go and win the match.
“To be honest it was a huge moment,” Butland told RangersTV. “I think the lad thought he had scored, so it is nice to have that moment and that can sometimes take the wind out of a team’s sails as well.
“It seemed to give us a lift, it could have gone a little bit sideways at that point if that goes on, so it is nice to contribute with that and ultimately set us up for a really big second half.”
Jack Butland had made 43 appearances for Rangers this season, conceding 31 goals and keeping 22 clean sheets.
