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EURO 2012: 4th Div keeper called up to England squad

4th Division keeper called up to England squad

England boss Roy Hodgson has called up Jack Butland to his squad for the UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine. Butland will replace Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy, who broke his finger in training on Thursday.

Birmingham City product Jack Butland spent the 2011/12 season on loan at League 2 (English 4th Division) side Cheltenham Town FC, before he rejoined BCFC as a reserve keeper in April 2012 after first-choice goalkeeper Boaz Myhill picked up an injury. The 19-year-old keeper has represented England at several age levels up to and including the Under 21 team.

“We’ve given a chance to the young Under 21 goalkeeper Jack Butland who is cutting short his holiday in Mexico and coming to Poland instead,” England manager Roy Hodgson told.

“In one sense it’s a bit of a surprise because he is still a young goalkeeper and there are a lot of more experienced keepers than him,” Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton stated on the club website. “But knowing Jack’s qualities and how good a keeper he is, it’s not. He is a keeper that for me is going to have a great career in the game.”