Sunday 15 November 2015 10:17, UK
David James believes Jack Butland will struggle to get into Roy Hodgson's team as young goalkeepers are not given their chance in England.
England kept eight clean sheets out of 10 while securing their place at Euro 2016 at a canter and Joe Hart's ever-presence as the last line of defence has not been called into question - until the recent emergence of Butland.
The Stoke goalkeeper has been in imperious form since being handed his chance this campaign following four loan spells at Championship clubs in the last two seasons.
Butland is statistically the best-performing stopper in the Premier League, but it was Hart who was selected to take on Spain on Friday night.
Former England 'keeper James was not surprised to see Butland overlooked, insisting there is an underlying traditionalist philosophy among England coaches to stick with the tried and tested.
"In Joe Hart you have a seasoned campaigner, and he is still the best goalkeeper in England," James told Sky Sports.
"What Jack is doing is raising the bar in terms of competition, which can only be a good thing.
"The problem is that in England we don't tend to give young goalkeepers a chance. We go for the experienced goalkeeper every time.
"You look at the likes of Iker Casillas or [Gianluigi] Buffon - these are goalkeepers with over 150 caps because they started in their teens.
"England never go down that route and give young goalkeepers a chance."
The former England stopper was speaking after taking part in David Beckham's Match for Children in aid of Unicef, with James in goal for the first 45 minutes for Great Britain and Ireland, keeping a clean sheet.
Despite his reservations about England's policy of not taking a risk on youth, James believes that the competition Butland's form has generated can only be a good thing, especially with Southampton's Fraser Forster nearing a return.
"For English goalkeepers as a collective, Butland's form is great," James added. "Fraser Forster challenged last season, but was injured and out of the equation.
"With Forster back fit, a fit Jack Butland and Joe Hart then you have three fantastic goalkeepers. The only caveat is that it is Butland's first full season.
"He is doing rather well at the moment, that is for sure. It is only early in the season, and obviously with the ebb and flow of the Premier League, things can change quickly.
"There is potential for a real battle over the next few years, which can only be good for England fans."
