Nick Collins assesses England’s options ahead of Lithuania clash
Sunday 11 October 2015 15:19, UK
As England prepare to take on Lithuania in their final European Qualifier, Sky Sports News HQ's chief football reporter Nick Collins takes a look at the players aiming to stake a claim…
Jack Butland has been waiting more than three years for his second England cap.
His debut was in Berne against Italy in August 2012, as he became England's youngest ever goalkeeper at the age of just 19. He played the first half and was beaten by Daniele De Rossi's header after 15 minutes. England fought back to win 2-1 and gain a small measure of revenge for a penalty shoot-out defeat to the Italians in the quarter-finals of the Euros earlier that summer.
So now an older, more experienced Butland is set for his next England appearance, this time against Lithuania.
It could not come at a better time - the 22-year-old has been in outstanding form for Stoke City in the Premier League.
It is important for England to have cover and competition for Joe Hart. The Manchester City man is the undisputed number one, but someone needs to challenge him, and Butland is in pole position.
So who else stands to gain from Roy Hodgson's decision to experiment with his line-up in Vilnius on Monday?
Kyle Walker's England ambitions have been thwarted over last couple of years by injury, but the Tottenham right-back is finally fit again and can seriously start to try and target a place in the squad for next summer's championships. Though he has to first prove himself all over again.
If Kieran Gibbs plays at left-back he can remind Hodgson that there's little to choose between him and Ryan Bertrand in the tussle to replace Luke Shaw.
In central midfield, Jonjo Shelvey looks set to start for the third time in four matches, and this could be a more invaluable experience for him as he looks to stake a claim in the squad.
Up front, Jamie Vardy should get another opportunity to prove some of the doubters wrong. The former non-league striker helped set up Raheem Sterling for England's second goal against Estonia and he has looked impressive whenever he has come on.
It will be fascinating to see if teenager Dele Alli gets another taste of the action as well. He has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. Can he do the same at full international level?
Finally, Andros Townsend, who has scored three goals in nine matches, has never let England down. In form and fully fit, he can provide valuable cover on the flanks.
So plenty at stake for several players here in Lithuania as England look to make it a perfect 10 wins out of 10 in qualifying.
