'Joe's an incredible keeper, but I want to be better'

Jack Butland is set to win his second senior cap when England play in Vilnius on Monday night and he is eager to stake his claim for the permanent No1 jersey.

The Stoke City man comes into Roy Hodgson's team in place of first choice Joe Hart, who did not travel to Lithuania, for what will be his first appearance since August 2012.

Butland was Under-21s captain during their last campaign but is now too old for Gareth Southgate's team and after impressive displays in the Premier League this season he has become back-up to his "role model" and former Birmingham City team-mate, Hart.

And he cannot wait for the chance to feature in England's final Euro 2016 Qualifier.

"I'm really excited to be able to have the opportunity, I've had a good start to the season and I'm really happy to be in this squad. But ultimately I want to play, so I'm looking forward to it," Butland told TheFA.com.

"I want to be better than Joe. He's an incredible goalkeeper and I want battle him and I want to learn from him and push him on like he pushes me. 

"I've known him for a long time and he's been my role model for years, ever since I first came across him at Birmingham. He was imposing, aggressive and brilliant at what he does. 

"For me he has been a massive role model, not just someone who I watch but someone who I get on well with. 

"The way he applies himself to training and to matches is how I try to do it. He does everything in a very positive way, he is determined and is a fantastic goalkeeper - rightly so one of the best in the world. 

"For me to train with him is an honour, I try and learn from him and ultimately try to be better than him if I can."

Butland pulls of a save in training

Though Butland has been a figurehead of the Under-21s team in recent seasons, he has remained in Hodgson's thoughts ever since he was handed his debut against Italy three years ago.

He had previously been to the Euro 2012 Finals with the Three Lions, and later that summer was the Team GB stopper at London 2012.

Having started his career at St Andrew's, Butland moved to Stoke City in 2013 yet spent much of his time out on loan until becoming Mark Hughes' first choice this season.

And the 22-year-old says playing in the Premier League is helping his confidence no end.

.@JackButland_One is set to start tonight for England’s last @UEFAEURO 2016 qualifier against Lithuania. https://t.co/mCAWSLJSx4

— England (@england) October 12, 2015

"Three years ago, when I first played, I was drafted into the Euros and that was a time for me to go and enjoy myself and show people what I was about," said the Bristolian.

"But now I have more of a career behind me to bring with me. I feel I have more to back it up, I've also felt confident in what I can do. 

"It's not about potential that I have, it's about what I am doing week in, week out for Stoke and really warranting to be In the squad. 

"That's what I've been trying to achieve - to get to a level where I deserve to be in this squad through my performances."

During the last campaign with Southgate's Young Lions, Butland played in their 1-0 win away in Lithuania and has an idea what to expect from the side sitting second-bottom of the Group E table.

The idea of playing on artificial grass at the LFF Stadium does not faze Butland either, and, after a disappointing U21s Euros in the summer, his only focus is doing well for England so he can be a part of Hodgson's plans in France next summer.

Butland made his England senior debut against Italy in 2012

"They will be more used to the pitch, but I've played on 3G growing up and I'm sure a lot of the lads have played European games against teams who use that type of pitch. It's just something we have to deal with and it's the same for both sides. 

"Lithuania will be tough, I've played against them with the Under-21s before and I think it was about the 81st minute when Harry [Kane] scored a header to win the game. 

"It will be tough to break them down, they will be a solid, hardworking team and they will want to finish off the campaign as strong as they can. We'll obviously be looking to get our 10th win.

"Ten out of ten has been the talk for a long time, long before I've come back into the fold. It's something that the group and the coaches pride themselves on." 

He added: "At the Euros this summer with the Under-21s we had a really tight-knit group. Being captain and to experience that affects you in a different way. 

"Knowing we have so much talent in this squad, and coming through now, it's always frustrating if we don't produce. 

"For me I just wanted to get out and put things right with Stoke, play as well as I can, contribute to the England team and hopefully have a much more successful European Championship next summer."

England's next home game is against Euro 2016 hosts France at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday 17 November. You can get tickets online now via TheFA.com/tickets