Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has heaped praise on his England understudy Jack Butland.

After a frustrating couple of seasons, Butland appears to have finally nailed down the number one position at Stoke City following Asmir Begovic's summer transfer to Chelsea.

"Jack Butland has been fantastic," Hart told reporters. "He is a young guy who has played a lot of games, he has captained the Under-21s and been one of Stoke's top players this year. Nothing has surprised me about the progress he has made."

Hart also praised Spurs midfielder Dele Alli following his first call-up to the senior England squad, adding: "Dele Alli has really pushed on. He had a good season last year and Tottenham have had the confidence to put him in what is already a very good side. I think he has a big England future."

England face Estonia at Wembley on Friday night, knowing that their place at next summer's European Championships is already secure following eight wins out of eight in group E.