Jack Butland wishes to overthrow Joe Hart as England’s number one goalkeeper in time for the 2018 World Cup, the Stoke shot stopper has revealed.

The 24-year-old has been apart of the England senior side for a number of years now and played in the Three Lions’ friendly with France.

Hart has been Gareth Southgate’s prefered choice in goal since he took over from Sam Allardyce but, after poor displays for club and country in the last year, the Manchester City goalkeeper’s place is no longer assured.

Butland said: “The manager’s decision is down to the manager but I can only do my bit and make sure I’m putting my name forward by doing as well as I can.”

Butland wants spell starting for England

After conceding two free-kicks in quick succession to Scotland last weekend, Southgate insisted that the decision to play Butland and Burnley ‘keeper Tom Heaton against France was always the plan.

Butland replaced Heaton in the 65th minute and would go onto concede the winning goal just 12 minutes from time in spite of some fine saves made earlier in the half. Kylian Mbappe tested his fellow professional twice but was denied each time by Butland.

The former Birmingham City man had his international career interrupted in 2016 after sustaining an ankle injury against Germany that ultimately ruled him out of the European Championships and the majority of last season.

Are goalkeepers getting the protection they need for England. Source - Football365. — Plenty are vying for the starting spot. Source – Football365.

Butland is expected the start in goal for Stoke next term having replaced Lee Grant in the final five Premier League matches of the 2016/17 season and is also eyeing the number one jersey for England.

“It’s no secret I want to be number one,” Butland said.

“Of course that’s my target. I’ve never shied away from that and always said that’s where I want to be. That’s my main focus.

“The injury meant I lost a whole season and a European Championship, which was my goal after my first full season in the Premier League – to be number one for the tournament last summer.

“Now the focus turns to staying fit, having a good season with Stoke and the World Cup; that’s where I want to be, representing my country at a World Cup and I want to win.”

Talent coming through in goal

Butland – who is 1/2 to make England’s World Cup squad with SkyBet – faces stiff competition for a place in the squad, let alone for a starting berth. Hart, Heaton, Fraser Forster and Jordan Pickford will be amongst those competing to impress Southgate in time for the World Cup finals.

Away from the first-team, the ex-Derby loanee is well aware of those achieving in his position at various youth levels for England. Butland himself represented his country at U-16, 17, 19, 20 and 21 level over the years – winning the European under-17 Championships in 2009.

“For years we’ve had ‘keepers criticised in England but we’ve got plenty coming through,” he added.

“Freddie [Woodman] has just won the U20 World Cup, there are the other U20 keepers Angus Gunn and Jonny Mitchell too. The key thing for them is getting games.

“Jordan now has that with Everton, Angus has been on loan at Norwich and what Freddie does next season is important for him.

“But it’s brilliant to see them doing well. Bring on the competition, it’s good for me.”

Butland will aim to prove himself over the course of next season, which starts with an away trip to Everton.