Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland is extremely relieved to be back in the England squad after suffering several injury setbacks.
The 24-year-old fractured his ankle in a friendly against Germany in March of last year, and would have to face the surgical knife three times due to aggravations, only returning to action for Stoke’s final five games last season.
Having been recalled to the England set-up by new boss Gareth Southgate, Butland opened up on the ordeal ahead of the Three Lions World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Saturday.
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“There are times when you don’t know if you are going to play again, when the next injection or operation might be.
“So there are times when you are at rock bottom but that’s when you need the people around you to give you that bit of reassurance and positivity.
“I feel like I’ve pretty much experienced everything I can in football. Positive things, winning, losing, the injury side of it all the setbacks, so yeah.
“I’m sure there’s plenty more to experience but I’m prepared for whatever is next. It feels extremely, extremely good to be back. It’s been a long time and to get the Three Lions back on my chest after some difficult times is really good.
“I’m just thoroughly enjoying being back and looking forward to the week ahead.
“The worst thing about being injured is just missing out on what you love. It can be a lonely place when you are injured.
“You miss being out there with your team-mates and just experiencing the highs and the lows. It was the drive and belief of wanting to get back to where I was that kept me going.
“I wanted to make up for all the lost time – missing out on the Euros and missing so many Premier League games. It’s not nice not being able to do something you love.”
Kavan Flavius is a regular contributor to the Official Chelsea Guest Fan Blog, find him on Twitter @KavanFlavius.
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