England hopeful Jack Butland certainly had an eventful afternoon as Rangers clashed with Celtic.
The Rangers goalkeeper probably didn’t expect to be 1-0 down within the first minute but after James Tavernier hit the ball off Daizen Maeda, there was a mountain to climb.
Add into that Matt O’Riley’s dinked penalty and on another day it might’ve been a nightmare afternoon in front of England manager Gareth Southgate.
But those moments don’t tell the entire story of the captivating 3-3 draw between and Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox which made headlines around the globe.
Jack Butland in inspired Rangers v Celtic showing?
Whilst Jack Butland conceded three goals against Celtic, had it not been for the goalkeeper Rangers were cruising for a bruising.
Saving comfortably from a tame if not goal bound Daizen Maeda effort, the Rangers stopper also pulled off a worldie to deny a Matt O’Riley header.
There were a few other moments which showed Jack Butland up to be a very resolute stopper but the goalkeeper didn’t exactly flatter around Celtic’s third goal.
Whilst a sheepish defence has to get closer to Adam Idah, the low shot perhaps beat the Rangers goalkeeper a tad too easily.
All-in-all it was a mixed day for Jack Butland but at the very least it will have opened Gareth Southgate’s eyes to the challenge north of the border.
Will it be enough to win an England cap however? Well an ex-Old Firm pair certainly think so.
Neil McCann, Peter Grant back England call
The situation was discussed by ex-Rangers manager Neil McCann on Sportscene following the draw with Celtic.
Claiming that Celtic would’ve been “out of sight” without Jack Butland’s contribution in the first half, McCann believes that Butland made a good impression at Ibrox.
”The England manager there watching him today of course looking to see how he’s performing,” said McCann.
“I think he’s been one of the players of the season and he’s a huge reason why Rangers were still in this match at half-time, to allow Philippe Clement to come in and give the riot act and get the Rangers going.
“I thought he was superb in that first half.”
Asked about a potential England call, McCann said: “I think (Gareth Southgate) can’t fail to be impressed.
“Rangers put him under pressure a little bit, they played a lot of balls back to his feet and those conditions were not easy.
“I think his distribution could be look upon as not effective, but I think he’s a good kicker, he makes big stops, he got good concentration, why shouldn’t he be in the England squad?”
Ex-Celtic star Peter Grant then added: “He should be in the team anyway Butland. Butland should be in the squad even if all their goalkeepers are fit, because his performances deserve that.
“I’ve seen all the other goalkeepers, if he’s not the number one he’s definitely the number two.”
Jack Butland has nine caps for the England national team but was last called up by the country in 2018.
