In a week where Jack Butland’s heroics kept Rangers’ Europa League dream alive, fellow England Euro 2024 hopeful Aaron Ramsdale fluffed his lines v Brentford.
Mikel Arteta’s Premier League chasing Gunners might’ve ran out 2-1 winners over Brentford to top the English top flight – if even just momentarily – but the under pressure Ramsdale didn’t exactly help proceedings in the first half.
After Declan Rice had nodded Arsenal ahead, Aaron Ramsdale failed to release the ball quickly enough from a defensive backpass.
Yoane Wisse bore down on the England international goalkeeper who wound up booting the ball off the forward and into the net.
Whilst Kai Havertz would spare the £30m goalie’s blushes with a late winner, it’s a moment Jack Butland might’ve been watching with interest.
It’s worth pointing out that Ramsdale – who was playing in his first Premier League match since November – did recover to make some solid saves in the second half.
Jack Butland at centre of England squad debate
There’s been plenty made about Jack Butland potentially being recalled to the England set-up in time for Euro 2024.
It’s been over five years since the Rangers goalkeeper, 30, was last in a Three Lions squad but that could be about to change this month.
Reports have suggested that England are going to call the stopper up, whilst Gareth Southgate has spoken candidly about the situation.
Jack Butland too, determined to reclaim the England gloves, has been very clear about his eagerness to return for his country.
It’s a situation which was backed up by a stunning Jack Butland display in Portugal this week, where the Rangers stopper was inspired against Benfica.
As Aaron Ramsdale was potentially flapping in the Premier League title race, Jack Butland was keeping Rangers’ Euro 2024 hopes very much alive.
Can Rangers goalkeeper replace Aaron Ramsdale?
The question is, if Jack Butland is to come into the England squad, then who will drop out?
Everton’s number one Jordan Pickford has been Gareth Southgate’s first choice whilst Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone have backed up the squad.
Whilst Aaron Ramsdale might’ve played himself into trouble for Arsenal this weekend, his presence in their starting lineup after surrending the gloves to David Raya presents a dilemma to Mr Southgate.
Sam Johnstone remains the first choice option at Selhurst Park too so the competition is certainly fierce in the England squad.
But if the England manager needs any more convincing when it comes to Jack Butland, then we’re sure there’s a seat available for him at Ibrox this coming Thursday.
