World Cup-winning goalkeeper Gordon Banks has backed Jack Butland to "put the pressure" on Joe Hart for the England number-one jersey at this year's Euro 2016 finals.
Butland, 22, has been in impressive form for Stoke City this season and been back-up to Manchester City's Hart in recent Three Lions internationals.
Banks, who played for Stoke before winning the World Cup with England in 1966, believes that it is "pretty close" between the two with just six months until the tournament in France.
"[Butland] has put the pressure on Joe Hart without any question," Banks told the Football Association's website.
"It's definitely pretty close between him and Joe now and I was a tiny bit disappointed that Jack didn't play once we'd (qualified) for the finals.
"That would have given him that little bit of experience which you need but it's wonderful to see him doing so well."
Butland has made three senior appearances for England compared to Hart's 57.
Pascal Lemesre
