England boss Gareth Southgate has revealed that former Birmingham goalkeeper Jack Butland will appear for the Three Lions in their friendly against France tomorrow.
Jack Butland made 29 appearances for the Blues after being promoted from their youth system towards the end of the 2011-12 season.
The former Leeds United loanee established himself as the number one goalkeeper at St Andrews in the 2012-13 season, before being persuaded to join Stoke in January 2013 for £3.3m.
Whilst with the Potters, Butland found first team chances limited and experienced four loan spells away from the Britannia Stadium; with Barnsley, Leeds United and Derby County proving suitable hosts after a return to St Andrews.
Burnley’s Tom Heaton will be starting for the Three Lions’ away friendly to France, whilst Butland will make his fifth cap in the second half – his first appearance since breaking his ankle on international duty over a year ago.
“I said on Saturday it was never my intention to play Joe in this game,” Southgate said ahead of the friendly.
“Tom Heaton will start the game and Jack Butland will play the second half.
“Tom has had an outstanding season. We have got to maintain the squad environment that people feel involved.
“That goalkeeping situation you need to give players opportunity and game-time.
“I think in the past one or two goalkeepers have given up international football because they have not had that chance. I am conscious of keeping people involved.
“Equally Jack is coming back from a long layoff, he was the No. 2 before, hasn’t had the amount of game time up to now but we think can also challenge for the No.1 sport moving forward.”
