Joe Hart is an immovable object according to England team-mate Jack Butland, but the back-up goalkeeper has vowed to fight to be the nation s number one.
Butland earned just his second England cap against Lithuania in Monday s final Euro 2016 qualifier.
It was Butland s first appearance for England since making his debut three years ago and the 22-year-old is determined to establish himself in the international fold, even if he is up against Hart.
I am not someone who enjoys being on the bench. I won t kick up a fuss and I will always be a team man, but ultimately I want to play, Butland said.
Joe is a fantastic keeper, rightly he is the No 1, established in the Premier League, over 50 England caps he is almost an immovable object.
But I want to play and there s nothing wrong with competition. Joe drives me on. We re always encouraging each other and I know I improve when I come away with England.
It s been three years since my first cap in 2012 and I hope it s another three years before my next one.
Butland added: You never know what may happen with injuries and suspensions. I want to be ready. I am in a good place mentally with Stoke, with England. If I am put in, I feel comfortable and in control.
I d love to get a couple more games in the friendlies and will do everything I can to get those.
The last time I played for England I was at Birmingham and I d been at loan on Cheltenham, then got drafted into the Euros squad as potential. I hadn t proven myself but I feel I ve had a whole career since then.
Now I ve played a hell of a lot of games, improved and matured a lot. I am enjoying the opportunity to play in the Premier League. I feel positive, strong, fit and sharp.
There s a couple of great goalkeepers injured in Fraser Forster and Ben Foster but I am confident that if I can keep playing well for Stoke then I will be on that plane to France.
