Stoke City's Jack Butland struggling to avoid World Cup fever

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has admitted that he is already "excited" about the World Cup.

The 24-year-old will hope to be part of Gareth Southgate's England squad for the trip to Russia this summer.

Joe Hart has been the Three Lions' number one in recent years, but the shot-stopper's lacklustre performances for loan club West Ham United have led to questions over his international future.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Butland said: "It's impossible to get away from. It's a World Cup year. It's impossible not to turn a corner and see something about the World Cup or hear something about the World Cup. It's in your mind, it's something I am excited about.

"I hope to be a part of it, but I have always said that doesn't happen if I am not putting in performances week in, week out for Stoke and playing at the highest level.

"To be in the England squad, you have got to be playing well and your standards have got to be up there. So for me the most important thing is improving still, being as good as I can be for Stoke and, if I can do that and steer us clear of the relegation zone, that will put things in a positive light for England."

The Potters currently sit second from bottom in the Premier League table, one point from safety.