Former England goalkeeper David James fears that Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland will never get an opportunity to rival Joe Hart at national level.

Butland is currently statistically the best performing goalkeeper in the Premier League, but according to former England international James, will never be able to replace established number one Hart due to the safety first approach of the national team.

James said: "What Jack is doing is raising the bar in terms of competition, which can only be a good thing.

"With the ebb and flow of the Premier League things can change quickly – but Jack's form is great.

"The problem is that in England we don't tend to give young goalkeepers a chance. We go for the experienced goalkeeper every time.

"Look at the likes of Iker Casillas or Gianluigi Buffon – these are goalkeepers with over 150 caps because they started in their teens.

"England never go down that route and give young goalkeepers like Jack a chance."