GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Jack Butland made an incredible save in Kilmarnock to send a message to England manager Gareth Southgate as Rangers’ hold on the top spot was in jeopardy.
The Gers were behind 1-0 at Rugby Park going into halftime, and the game against Derek McInnes’s resolute and well-organized Kilmarnock team seemed doubtful for the team.
Butland has subsequently disclosed that Rangers’ goals at halftime were refocused as the team found it difficult to settle against Killie, who were deserving of their lead.
However, Rangers might have ultimately failed in 2024 under Philippe Clement if the custodian hadn’t produced an incredible save to deny Kilmarnock’s Marley Watkins shortly into the second half.
Jack Butland proves England Euro 2024 credentials
The way Jack Butland stooped down to stop Watkins’ goal-bound shot encapsulates the reason England boss Gareth Southgate is keeping a watch on the Rangers custodian for Euro 2024.
Nine-time cap winner Jack Butland hasn’t played for the Three Lions in more than five years, and rumours have it that he may be called up for the upcoming friendly against Brazil and Belgium.
Gareth Southgate only had to take a quick look at Rangers’ eventual 2-1 triumph over Kilmarnock to be convinced of the goalkeeper’s ability to win games.
Had Jack Butland not halted the Kilmarnock attacker, Rangers would’ve had a two-goal mountain to climb and potentially lost grip on top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
The save proves that Jack Butland is a goalkeeper for the big moments and proves beyond any lingering doubt that he has the star quality to be a part of England’s Euro 2024 plans.
Rangers goalkeeper plays crucial Kilmarnock role
It was a monumental contribution from the Rangers goalkeeper and wasn’t missed by Killie boss Derek McInnes.
The Killie manager claimed the quality exemplified by the Jack Butland save was the difference between the two sides and the Rangers goalkeeper himself was asked about the moment after the game.
Butland described it as a “huge moment” and suggested the rest of the team took confidence from it to go and win the match.
“To be honest it was a huge moment,” Butland told RangersTV. “I think the lad thought he had scored, so it is nice to have that moment and that can sometimes take the wind out of a team’s sails as well.
“It seemed to give us a lift, it could have gone a little bit sideways at that point if that goes on, so it is nice to contribute with that and ultimately set us up for a really big second half.”
Jack Butland had made 43 appearances for Rangers this season, conceding 31 goals and keeping 22 clean sheets.
