Jack Butland does not see dropping down to the England Under-21s as a negative, rather a chance to further his chances of a call-up to the senior squad for next summer's World Cup.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper has enjoyed quite an incredible rise over the past 18 months, going from a loan spell with League Two side Cheltenham to become England's youngest-ever goalkeeper. Having seen so many graduates of Stuart Pearce's side make an impression in the senior team, he believes he is better placed to make the 2014 World Cup squad.
"I think it shows that those who got there deserved it," Butland said. "They got there through their performances for the their club but most importantly their performances for the under-21s. The way Jack Rodwell and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came on against Brazil is only more motivation for us that we can get there."
The Stoke keeper added: "There is no secret that players get older and the new crop has got to come through, we can only perform the way we can and make Roy Hodgson's decision as hard as possible.
"That's the view from everyone. If we are good enough, we'll get the opportunity to go.
"I don't see the fact that I've come down to the Under-21s as a bad thing.
"Conversations were had and this is probably the best thing for my development.
"I know that going to the senior squad would be fantastic but in terms of game-time and getting that development it would be better to stay here.
"I feel really good in this squad and I feel part of it. But this is the step to the next level and I feel very confident that if I get the opportunity to have a good tournament, and then a good season next year, hopefully in the Premier League with Stoke, then who knows, but that's the target, to go to Rio."
Source: PA
