Ex England international Danny Murphy reckons Jack Butland’s claim for a Euro 2024 place is being hampered by playing in Scotland – but reckons standing out for Rangers in the upcoming Europa League games could be key to getting on the plane to Germany.
And the former Liverpool star admitted he would pick the 30-year-old shot-stopper as one of Gareth Southgate’s three goalkeepers along with No. 1 Jordan Pickford and Crystal Palace keeper Sam Johnstone. But while that would be his choice, Murphy says the fact Butland is plying his trade in the Scottish Premiership could work against him.
Newcastle United keeper Nick Pope is crocked and is unlikely to make it while Aaron Ramsdale is also in contention but isn’t playing regularly for Arsenal. Murphy – who, like Butland has nine caps for the Three Lions – told talkSPORT: “Most goalkeepers have a decent amount of clean sheets playing for Rangers or Celtic. I know it verges on being derogatory but it’s reality. They’re not tested enough. Gareth Southgate might watch him more in Europe. If I’m looking at Sam Johnstone and Butland. Sam Johnstone is playing in the Premier League very week and doing alright. Okay, Palace haven’t been winning a lot of games but he’s still playing at that level. You might go for that because of the intensity and importance of the games.
