Butland sets sights on Hart’s England jersey

Jack Butland: Set to face Lithuania

Jack Butland: Set to face Lithuania

Jack Butland says he wants to be better than his idol Joe Hart as he prepares to win his second senior cap when England face Lithuania.

The Stoke keeper is set to stand in for Hart in Vilnius on Monday night and he is eager to stake his claim for Manchester City man’s No. 1 jersey on a permanent basis.

Butland, 22, made his senior international debut in a friendly with Italy in August 2012, but the former Birmingham man will make his first competitive start for the Three Lions after Hart was allowed to sit out the final Euro 2016 qualifier with England already through.

“I’m really excited to be able to have the opportunity, I’ve had a good start to the season and I’m really happy to be in this squad. But ultimately I want to play, so I’m looking forward to it,” Butland told TheFA.com.

“I want to be better than Joe. He’s an incredible goalkeeper and I want battle him and I want to learn from him and push him on like he pushes me.

“I’ve known him for a long time and he’s been my role model for years, ever since I first came across him at Birmingham. He was imposing, aggressive and brilliant at what he does.

“For me he has been a massive role model, not just someone who I watch but someone who I get on well with.

“The way he applies himself to training and to matches is how I try to do it. He does everything in a very positive way, he is determined and is a fantastic goalkeeper – rightly so one of the best in the world.

“For me to train with him is an honour, I try and learn from him and ultimately try to be better than him if I can.”