Predicting England's World Cup Squad

23. Jack Butland

Over the last two years, alongside the almost constant criticism of Joe Hart (who now looks set to miss out on the tournament in Russia), came the overwhelming popularity of Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland, who has been considered the natural successor to Hart for several years now. The youngster was a hot favourite to make Roy Hodgson's final 23 man squad for Euro 2016, but an unfortunate ankle injury during England's famous 3-2 win over Germany stopped him from making the final cut.

This injury limited the Stoke goalkeeper to just five appearances in the 2016/17 season, but Butland came back strong for the 17/18 season, shining as a rare highlight in an otherwise awful season for The Potters that saw them relegated to the Championship for the first time in 10 years.

There is no denying Butland's talent, and a solid performance in Russia, potentially as England's No. 1, is sure to solidify a big money move from Stoke to a team like Liverpool or Arsenal, which is an incentive unlike any other.