Jack Butland’s hopes of representing England in the European championship have been dashed as the Stoke City goalkeeper has officially been ruled out of Euro 2016.
In an interview with the Stoke City official website, Butland confirmed that he will miss the remainder of the 2015-16 campaign for the Potters due to an ankle fracture he suffered in the 3-2 friendly win against Germany. The 23-year-old stopper revealed that he does not expect to be fit for Euro 2016.
‘I don’t think (Euro 2016 is) going to be an option for me now to be honest because I won’t be able to play again between now and the end of the season,’ Butland said.
‘It is difficult because I have been working towards the Euros this summer.
‘It isn’t the challenge that I expected or wanted this summer but I am going to approach it with the right mentality and learn from it, both physically and mentally.
‘I have not had to deal with an injury like this before so I will come out of it as a stronger person and a better goalkeeper, and look forward to the start of next season.’
Butland will now join Man City stopper Joe Hart on the sidelines for the friendly against the Netherlands on Tuesday, leaving Southampton stopper Fraser Forster and Burnley’s Tom Heaton as the remaining healthy players on Roy Hodgson’s side.
This season Butland has recorded 10 clean sheets for Stoke as they have moved to eighth place on the table and within striking distance of the final Europa League qualification spot, currently held by Man United.