Euro 2016

England keeper Jack Butland concedes dream of playing at Euro 2016 is over

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 29 March 2016

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland accepts that he will not play for England at Euro 2016 because of a broken ankle that he suffered against Germany.

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has accepted that his ankle injury has ended his hopes of playing for England at Euro 2016 in France this summer.

The 23-year-old was stretchered off the pitch close to half time in Saturday's 3-2 win over world champions Germany in Berlin.

The shot-stopper fractured his ankle and understands that he will not regain full fitness by the time the tournament gets underway on June 10.

In an interview with Stoke's Potters Mag, Butland said: "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. I will have an operation on Tuesday night and then it is all about working hard and making sure I come out the other side stronger and better than before.

"It is difficult because I have been working towards the Euros this summer, but I won't be able to be part of that experience now. It isn't the challenge that I expected or wanted this summer but I'm 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 has received three caps from the senior England team.