Goalkeeper Jack Butland has stressed there is no problem with Stoke boss Mark Hughes over him joining up with England - and now he is keen to put pressure on Joe Hart.
Butland has been included in Roy Hodgson's party for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against San Marino on Saturday and Switzerland on Tuesday after making a fine start to the season as Stoke's new first-choice shot-stopper.
The 22-year-old's form has come despite him playing with a fractured finger for the last two games, and Hughes suggested last month that Butland would be better off resting the injury rather than taking part in the upcoming internationals.
But when asked on Wednesday at St George's Park whether there had been any issue between him and Hughes, Butland said: "No, not at all.
"When the injury happened, it was one where, after discussions, we believed we could manage it.
"I've played two games since then and been able to perform at 100 per cent - in training as well.
"So there is nothing that could have stopped me coming, even the manager having a quiet word! We've spoken and he is happy for me to come away."
Butland, who has 28 England Under-21 caps but has made only one senior international appearance to date, in 2012, comes into this squad at a time when fellow goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Ben Foster are both out injured.
He is eager to make the most of the opportunity, and while he acknowledges 52-cap England number one Hart is "a long way" ahead of him, Butland does not just want to be making up numbers.
"I feel in great form and really happy to be back in the squad," Butland said.
"I don't just want to just be here to make up the numbers. Joe is an incredible keeper who has established himself now for a long time.
"But I want to put pressure on him. I want to get some game time of my own.
"Of course, he is a long way ahead, in terms of experience, age and games under his belt.
"But it's something where over time I have to close that gap, and hopefully I can do that."
Over the summer, Butland was the England Under-21 captain as they crashed out of the Euro 2015 finals, finishing bottom of their group.
Reflecting on that experience, he said: "It is always difficult to deal with losses at tournaments.
"It's tough. But it is only a tournament and two years wasted if you are not learning anything from it and not improving as a person.
"It is something I have thought about a lot over the summer and learned a lot from, and hopefully I have improved as a player as well."
Source: PA
