Roy Hodgson puts faith in Jack Butland for Lithuania trip

Roy Hodgson says England's final Euro 2016 Qualifier in Lithuania is the perfect chance for the players to put themselves in the frame for a regular place in his team.

With their spot in France secure and Group E won, the Three Lions could complete the qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent record for the first time ever.

But with friendlies coming up against Spain and France, geared towards the challenges they will face at the Finals next summer, and a number of key personnel missing, Hodgson says he has a good chance to try out his options.

"I think seven were missing through injury before Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney and now I've sent five home – that's a team, really," said Hodgson following England's 2-0 win over Estonia at Wembley.

"I've said all along that the situation in Lithuania is a little bit special, not least because we've got prestige friendlies coming up in November, and this was maybe the last game where I could happily give people a chance to show what they can do. 

"If it doesn't go our way, no harm is done and everybody knows that they've got to be fighting for a place in what I consider my first XI when we put the team out against Spain. Everyone's perfectly aware of that."

With Joe Hart heading home after the win on Friday, the door is open for his understudy Jack Butland to prove himself in goal.

Hodgson has every faith in the Stoke City stopper, who captained the Under-21s during their Euro 2015 campaign, and is keen to see him play a part in England's impressive defensive record.

While reaching France before any other nation, the Three Lions have conceded just three goals in their nine games in the group so far, keeping seven clean sheets, and boast the best goal difference throughout all the qualifying tables.

"We don't stand up and shout it from the rooftops every time, but it's not a bad achievement," said Hodgson.

"Basically we keep our feet on the ground. We know there's lots of tough games ahead.

"We know it's next summer that really counts, but we're working hard to improve going forward into that competition."

Butland, who was Team GB goalkeeper at London 2012, made his only senior England appearance to date against Italy over three years ago and is predicted to start against Lithuania.

Jack Butland will start for England against Lithuania

"Jack has been good for the Under-21s, we think he's a good goalkeeper. For a long period of time he was property of the Under-21s for their preparations for the European Championship.

"As a goalkeeper it's hard to come in off the reserve bench. It's hard enough as an outfield player. But we always believed in him and he's certainly deserved his chance. 

"Although Joe would have liked to have got an extra cap under his belt, he fully understands that this is Jack's moment. 

"We wish him well. Let's hope he can keep a clean sheet, as Joe has been doing."

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