Jack Butland’s snub for England selection feels like a “slap in the face for Scottish football” because he’s playing at Rangers, says Barry Ferguson.
The former Gers captain told the Daily Record (16 March) that he was in disbelief when Gareth Southgate’s squad was announced on Thursday, claiming the 31-year-old than any of those picked ahead of him, Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, and the man who nominally replaced him at Crystal Palace Sam Johnstone.
Ferguson pointed out the need for Butland to maintain high concentration levels for fewer saves while he’s expected to win every game in Scotland, and feels the selection shows a “disregard” for the game north of the border.
He said: “I was watching the announcement and I couldn’t believe it – and I’m not just saying this because he’s the Rangers goalkeeper. I honestly don’t know what to say. The keepers that were picked in front of him, yes, they’re good keepers. But are they better than Jack Butland? I don’t think so.
“It cracks me up. It’s a slap in the face for Scottish football. Why hasn’t he made that squad – because he’s playing up here? I keep saying to people, Jack Butland might not have to make 10, 12 or 15 saves during a game and certainly not when Rangers are playing at Ibrox.
“But if he’s only having to make one or two saves during 90 minutes it means his concentration levels are sky high. That tells me the guy is focussed and tuned right in.
“So when I saw that squad I thought, ‘Typical!’. It just shows the disregard they have for our game. What they don’t realise is the pressure he’s playing under in every single game. As a Rangers keeper you’re expected to win every game and produce the goods up here. He’s under more pressure than any of the other keepers in that squad.”
