Pearce wants Jack in summer

England Under-21s coach Stuart Pearce is keen to take Jack Butland to the European Championship finals this summer but admits he is mindful of the balancing act that goes with the goalkeeper's progress at senior level.

Last Updated: 23/01/13 at 19:25 Post Comment

Jack Butland: Part of Stuart Pearce's plans

Jack Butland: Part of Stuart Pearce's plans

Birmingham goalkeeper Butland, 19, lined up between the sticks during the Young Lions' successful qualification campaign for the Euro finals in Israel, which run from June 5-18.

As well as being first choice for Pearce's Team GB Olympics side in London last summer, Butland was also an unused member of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad having been called up from the standby list as a replacement for the injured John Ruddy.

He later went on to make his full Three Lions bow in a friendly against Italy in August last year, becoming England's youngest-ever international goalkeeper.

It now remains to be seen what 2013 holds for Butland - with England Under-21s gunning to conquer Europe and Hodgson's senior squad gearing up for a host of high-profile internationals which includes a friendly against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro in early June.

Pearce, whose Young Lions open the calendar year against Sweden at Walsall's Banks's Stadium on Tuesday February 5, said: "Jack has been a big part of the squad, how we use him and his time between the senior team and the Under 21s is very critical but we want to take the strongest possible squad in the summer.

"There is a good tour of South America in the summer for the seniors as well."

The immediate future is more uncertain for Butland having been heavily linked with a move away from cash-strapped Birmingham, who are keen to raise much-needed funds.

Southampton saw a £6million bid rejected for his services last summer but a similar offer over the remaining eight days of the January transfer window is likely to see him leave the Championship club.

No bids have been received as yet but the likes of Fulham, Newcastle, Everton and Liverpool are all reported to be interested.

Pearce added: "There has been a lot of speculation with Jack maybe leaving Birmingham this month and that speculation will continue until the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.

"He has done very well when I have seen him play to be fair. He plays above his years and you can't lose track of that he's only still 19 years old.

"The season has gone as well as to be expected for him and expectations have gone that much higher on him whenever he plays for Birmingham, I've seen them play a fair few times this season and Jack has done fantastically well."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

Y

et another example of Cameron's broken Britton.

varicoseregent
Britton prepares for surgery

I

ve heard his older brother might be joining as part of the deal too... Roland.

wezmond
West Ham sign defender Rat

I

think it's time anyway. That hat must smell awful by now. Time for a change and a rinse

levi
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Footer 365

TP disappointed to leave Stoke

Tony Pulis is disappointed to have left Stoke but understands the board's wish to take the club in a different direction.

Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov to take up coaching role at the club

Aston Villa have confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov will take up a coaching role with the club.

Toon not keen on Carroll

Newcastle will not pursue their interest in re-signing Liverpool striker Andy Carroll this summer.

Mail Box

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved