England keeper Butland aiming for Brazil WCup

Jack Butland does not see dropping down to the England U-21s as a negative, rather a chance to further his chances of a call-up to the senior squad for next year’s World Cup.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed quite an incredible rise over the past 18 months, going from a loan spell with League Two side Cheltenham to become England’s youngest-ever goalkeeper.

Last year, Butland was part of the Euro 2012 and London 2012 Olympic squads and this year is with the U-21s for the European Championship finals in Israel.

The Stoke goalkeeper would have almost certainly been in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the friendlies against Ireland and Brazil had it not been for the tournament in Israel, but that does not bother him.

Having seen so many graduates of Stuart Pearce’s side make an impression in the senior team, he believes he is in fact better placed to make the 2014 World Cup squad.

“I think it shows that those who got there deserved it,” Butland said.

“They got there through their performances for their club but most importantly their performances for the U-21s. The way Jack Rodwell and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came on against Brazil is only more motivation for us that we can get there.

“But this is the step to the next level and I feel very confident that if I get the opportunity to have a good tournament, and then a good season next year, then who knows... but that’s the target, to go to Rio.”

Butland and his team-mates arrived in Israel on Monday ahead of their Group A opener against Italy tonight.

Security issues have dominated the build-up to the tournament.

“You read about any country about things you could be worried about but the people have been very friendly,” Butland said.

“It feels like home. The weather is wonderful and there is nothing else to worry about.”

Meanwhile, the U-21 finals are proving to be a hit with the Israeli public as anticipation rises ahead of today’s opener at the Netanya Municipal Stadium between Israel and Norway.

The hosts’ other two Group A games – in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem – have also proved to be popular, with more than 18,500 tickets already snapped up for the concluding game against England.

It is not just the home side’s games that have drawn the attention with plenty more group contests benefiting from brisk sales, UEFA reported.

The Group B clash between Germany and Spain is just one of many games for which ticket sales have been going well.

Russia matches have also been well received and in total, over 100,000 tickets have been sold.

Playing today
Group A: 18.00 Israel vs Norway; 20.30 Italy vs England.

Tomorrow
Group B: 18.00 Spain vs Russia; 20.30 Netherlands vs Germany.