Kris Boyd showered praise on Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland for his exceptional performance in the 2-2 Europa League draw against Benfica in Lisbon on March 7. Speaking live on Sky Sports, Boyd commended Butland’s remarkable saves, highlighting a crucial stop against Benfica’s danger-man David Neres.
“James Tavernier, there was a bit of space in behind him. David Neres got in behind and got his shot away, and it was Butland with a fantastic save. He just palmed it back out, and between them, Souttar and Goldson were able to block the rebound,” Boyd said during the broadcast.
Despite conceding two goals, Butland’s standout performance did not go unnoticed. Boyd, acknowledging the goalkeeper’s consistent excellence, stated, “If Gareth Southgate was watching, he’d be mad not to select the Rangers shot-stopper.” The football pundit emphasized that Butland’s recent display could only enhance his chances for an England call-up, dismissing earlier skepticism expressed by Danny Murphy.
In recent weeks, Murphy had cast doubt on Butland’s potential international recognition, citing the high expectations on goalkeepers playing for Old Firm clubs in the Scottish Premiership. However, Boyd argued that Butland’s stellar performance in the Europa League might be the key to changing opinions.
“Having been one of the most consistently impressive players at Ibrox since his arrival in the summer, Butland is finally earning the recognition he deserves from outside of Scotland, and if that culminates in another England cap, he will have earned it,” Boyd concluded, hinting at a potential milestone in the goalkeeper’s career.