Former Man United man set for shock first England call up in six years

Gareth Southgate could offer a shock call-up to a goalkeeper outside of the Premier League in the next round of international fixtures.

The 53-year-old England boss is now preparing for the upcoming EURO 2024 championships in Germany.

The Three Lions have not been in action since the 1-1 draw with North Macedonia back in November, where an own-goal from Jane Atanasov saved England from a shock loss at the National Arena Tosha Proeski.

Southgate will be hoping his side can improve upon their last performance, as he prepares for tough friendly clashes against both Brazil and Belgium in March.

Ahead of the upcoming international break next month, Southgate could be set to offer a shock call-up to a former Manchester United goalkeeper - who has not featured on the international stage for six years.

According to the Daily Mail, Southgate could turn to Rangers shot-stopper Jack Butland due to a selection headache emerging between the sticks.

Everton's Jordan Pickford is currently first choice for England, although there is a dilemma regarding who will act as his back-up in the near future.

Previously, the role was handed to Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, however he has since been dropped by Mikel Arteta in favour of David Raya - which has cast his role with England into doubt.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United's Nick Pope is out until the end of the season after dislocating his shoulder on Premier League duty, while Crystal Palace's Sam Johnstone has also been dropped to the bench by the Eagles.

Jack Butland on duty for England

Which has now opened the door for 30-year-old Butland, who last featured for England back in 2018. "It is an issue for us and the situation is up in the air," Southgate said.

We have to make sure we're watching everybody. Jack is included in that because he's playing at a big club and is an experienced goalkeeper.

"It's not an ideal situation with Aaron not playing, Sam at the moment not playing and Nick injured. We'll have to see how that plays out."

He has nine caps to his name already with his last appearance arriving in a friendly against Switzerland. Butland has made 30 appearances for Rangers this season, keeping 17 clean sheets in the process. Prior to his move to Scotland, he spent three years at Selhurst Park with Crystal Palace - where he also spent six months on loan at United but did not make an appearance for the Red Devils.