Faced with England's goalkeeping crisis, Southgate recalls the star who was dumped six years ago

GARETH SOUTHGATE has admitted he is facing a goalkeeping crisis at Euro 2024.

Everton keeper Jordan Pickford remains England's No.1 but Southgate is struggling for backup options.

Gareth Southgate is facing a goalkeeping crisisCredit: AP

Jack Butland could return to the England squad after rediscovering his form for RangersCredit: Kenny Ramsay

Aaron Ramsdale has been on the bench at Arsenal for six months, Nick Pope is out for the season and Sam Johnstone is struggling for playing time at Crystal Palace.

So Southgate could turn to Jack Butland, whom he dumped SIX years ago, for next month's friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.

Rangers number 1 Butland, 30, earned the last of his nine England caps in the 1-0 friendly win over Switzerland in September 2018.

The goalkeeper has received rave reviews since moving to Ibrox from Palace on a free transfer last June.

He made just ten Prem appearances in three years at Palace before spending the second half of last season on loan at Manchester United.

But the ex-Stoke man has kept 19 clean sheets in all competitions this season as Rangers attempt to regain the Scottish crown.

Jordan Pickford is Southgate's undisputed number 1, but there is a lack of depth behind himCredit: Getty

Aaron Ramsdale was seen as a contender for the number 1 spot but has lost his job at Arsenal to David RayaCredit: Getty

Crystal Palace stopper Sam Johnstone is left out of the team by compatriot Dean HendersonCredit: Ryan Browne-The Guardian

Newcastle's Nick Pope is another option, but he has been sidelined for months with an injuryCredit: PA

Southgate admits his options behind Pickford have been compromised.

He said: “It is a problem for us and the situation is up in the air.

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“We have to make sure we keep an eye on everyone.

“Jack is part of that because he plays for a big club and is an experienced goalkeeper.

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“It's not an ideal situation with Aaron not playing, Sam not playing at the moment and Nick being injured.

“We'll have to see how that turns out.”

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Southgate Future

The FA wants Southgate to remain as England manager for the 2026 World Cup.

Southgate gave the strongest signal yet that he could lead the Three Lions past the European Championship after Thursday's Nations League draw in Paris.

The England manager had previously hinted he would step down after this summer's final in Germany, but Wembley bosses are happy for him to stay on for another two years.

Southgate, whose contract runs until December, insisted he would make a decision after this summer's tournament.

FA chiefs have noted Southgate's position shift and are united in their belief that he has been an exceptional success since replacing Sam Allardyce as emergency caretaker in 2016.

By taking England to the final of the 2020 Euro 2020 plus a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final in his three major tournaments, Southgate is the Three Lions' most successful coach since World Cup winner Sir Alf Ramsey.

He has rebuilt the team's relationship with the fans and built the strongest team mentality in decades, under the leadership of captain Harry Kane.

The FA will not put pressure on Southgate to make a decision before the summer and are aware it will have to be his decision.

But if Southgate fancies another run on the ultimate stage in the US, Mexico and Canada, the Wembley hierarchy sees no reason not to let him become the longest-serving England boss since Ramsey's 11-year reign ended half a century ago.