Jack Butland revels in becoming youngest goalkeeper to represent England

 

John Curtis
Thursday 16 August 2012 05:44 EDT
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Jack Butland in action for England
Jack Butland in action for England (GETTY IMAGES)

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Keeper Jack Butland has revealed his pride at becoming an England record breaker and admits his debut against Italy has given him the appetite to win further caps.

The 19-year-old became England's youngest stopper in the 2-1 friendly win over Italy in Berne, beating the 124 year record of Billy Moon.

Butland played the first 45 minutes before being replaced at half-time by Norwich's John Ruddy as England came from behind to triumph 2-1 in Switzerland.

Butland said: "People tell me I'm now the youngest ever England goalkeeper and it sounds amazing.

"I've had a few people tell me about it. That's an extra bonus which makes the debut a lot sweeter.

"Just the experience was fantastic. I've always look forward to playing for England and wanted to achieve but I didn't think it would come this soon.

"Then to be the youngest keeper ever to play for England just tops it off."

Butland knows there is much work to do and stiff competition to overcome if he is to eventually become England's number one.

He said: "I've got a taste for it now and hopefully I'll get a lot more. But I'll have to work hard. John Ruddy showed what a good goalkeeper he is and we all know what Joe Hart is like.

"I need to work hard and hopefully stay in the squads and try to push them as hard as I can."

Butland admitted: "It helped that there were other debutants in the squad. There were a lot of new faces and you all felt what the others were feeling.

"I think everyone came together well and handled the pressure well.

"When I found out I was making my debut, the feeling was weird. I've never experienced anything like it. I don't know what came over me, it was just an extraordinary feeling.

"It boosts my confidence and gives me a taste for what it is like and I really want more of it."

PA

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