Derby County loanee and England international goalkeeper Jack Butland says playing for England Under 16’s was such a "fantastic experience".
The Bristol born shot stopper made his international debut back in 2008, keeping a clean sheet as the England under-16 team beat their Northern Ireland counterparts 6–0 in a Victory Shield match.
Speaking ahead of the England v Scotland international at Huish Park Butland said: "Being involved in the development teams as a young player is massive. When you are a young player, to be able to come away from club football and play competitive football with England is the pinnacle, it’s what you want to achieve. To come away and play with the best of your age group against the best from all over the world is a fantastic experience and one which you can only learn from."
"The international stage is a very unique experience, the fact you are not with each other all year round, you come together and train with people of the highest quality from your age group. To be able to work with them, improve and learn is a really enjoyable experience. It’s one you’ve got to be able to learn from whether that be playing in front of bigger crowds at a young age, learning from experienced coaches which The FA have and travelling to different countries, playing against different teams, different styles. It really is a learning experience and is something you need to cherish and really enjoy doing and want to do more of."
Butland, who has represented England at all age levels from under 16’s to senior level continued, "It can be some of the best times of your career even from a young age and it’s a chance to put a marker down and show the world that we’ve got the talent and the quality in our country. I would say to the younger players, enjoy it and every time you get the chance, show people what you are all about."
Tickets are still available for the match at the Huish Park ticket office priced just £1 for kids and £3 for adults. Tickets can be purchased from the Huish Park ticket office or by calling 01935 847888.
