Jack Butland is England's youngest 'keeper

by David Barber

Birmingham City’s Jack Butland became England’s youngest goalkeeper when he won his first senior cap in Berne last night. Butland, Team GB’s ‘keeper for the Olympic tournament, was 19 years 158 days old.

He beats a record that has stood for well over a century. The previous youngest was Billy Moon of Old Westminsters, who was first chosen against Wales at Crewe in 1888 at the age of 19 years 222 days. England won 5-1. Moon was capped seven times and was England’s captain in his last appearance.

England have had two other teenaged goalkeepers. William Maynard of 1st Surrey Rifles, at 19 years 257 days, featured in football’s first official international between England and Scotland in 1872. It finished goalless in Glasgow. Maynard started the match as a forward but changed places with ‘keeper Robert Barker during the second half.

Old Etonians’ Rupert Anderson, at 19 years 264 days, won his only cap as a goalkeeper against Wales in 1879. He was brought in to replace the indisposed Reverend Blackmore. England won 2-1 at Kennington Oval in a match that was reduced to 60 minutes ‘due to a snowbound pitch’.

Butland, who has six caps at Under-21 level, was playing in League Two with Cheltenham Town last season. He was also a key member of the U17 squad that won the European Championship in Liechtenstein in 2010.