England goalkeeper Jack Butland spoke on Tuesday (22nd March), ahead of England's two international friendlies against Germany and the Netherlands.

SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Butland, England goalkeeper (on the injury to Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart):

"It's never nice for not just a fellow team mate but a friend as well to get injured. So it's terrible news for Joe (Hart) and hopefully he recovers quickly. But it gives us guys an opportunity to take advantage of that and hopefully get some game time this week."

SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Butland, England goalkeeper (on facing Germany and the Netherlands):

"Two very tough tests but those are the teams that we want to compare ourselves against and barring Holland we are going to be facing top teams this summer and there is no better way to prepare than to play these guys. To test ourselves against the best and see where we are at. Good or bad it puts us in a great position and allows us to prepare even better for the coming games before the tournament."

SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Butland, England goalkeeper (on building on England's clean sheet record during qualifying):

"The foundation of any side is being able to defend and keep clean sheets and that gives you the opportunity during the tournament to allow your front players to go ahead and score goals and win the game for you. But it's certainly something that we are proud of as a squad and that we wish to keep going."

SOUNDBITE (English) Jack Butland, England goalkeeper (on this generation of English GK's)

"It's an exciting time for English goalkeepers and brilliant to be a part of such a high standard in this group and seeing them play week-in, week-out in Premier League duty."