- Jordan Pickford is Southgate’s No. 1, but backup options are somewhat limited
- Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope and Sam Johnstone are either not playing or are injured
- CHRIS SUTTON on sledging, expletives and verbal jousting on the field – It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Gareth Southgate could turn to Jack Butland again, with the England manager admitting he faces a goalkeeping dilemma.
Although Everton’s Jordan Pickford remains England’s No.1, Southgate has few back-up options with Euro 2024 fast approaching.
Aaron Ramsdale has warmed the Arsenal bench for most of the season after Mikel Arteta signed David Raya last summer, with the 25-year-old making just 10 appearances all season.
Newcastle’s 31-year-old Nick Pope is out until at least the end of March after dislocating his shoulder against Manchester United in early December.
Sam Johnstone, 30, has been left on the bench at Crystal Palace of late after a calf injury, while his replacement Dean Henderson, 26, will be hoping to impress.
Jack Butland could be in line for a surprise England recall after impressing for Rangers
England manager Gareth Southgate is light on back-up options for No.1 Jordan Pickford
Butland saves Kilmarnock’s Kyle Vassell during a Scottish Premier League match
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So Rangers goalkeeper Butland, 30, whose last England cap came in 2018, could be in line for a recall ahead of March’s friendly double-header against Brazil and Belgium.
“It’s a problem for us and the situation is up in the air,” Southgate said.
“We have to make sure we keep an eye on everyone. Jack is part of this because he plays for a big club and is an experienced goalkeeper.
“It’s not an ideal situation with Aaron not playing, Sam not playing at the moment and Nick being injured.
“We’ll have to see how that works out.”
Butland, who has nine England caps, has impressed at Ibrox since moving there after his Palace contract expired at the end of last season.
The former Stoke City stopper has kept 19 clean sheets in 38 Rangers appearances this season.
England only have four friendlies left to play in Germany before the European Championship. They play Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26, both at Wembley.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford was Southgate’s No. 1 in England for much of his tenure
Newcastle’s Nick Pope suffered a dislocated shoulder in December and is currently sidelined
Aaron Ramsdale is playing second fiddle to David Raya at Arsenal this season
Sam Johnstone has been on the bench at Crystal Palace of late after returning from injury
They will then take on Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park in Newcastle on June 3 and Iceland at Wembley on June 7, before starting their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16.
It comes as the Football Association wants Southgate to extend his contract – which expires in December – until the 2026 World Cup.
The England boss revealed at the UEFA Nations League draw in Paris that he has not yet made a decision on his future and could be convinced to extend his term to 10 years.