Butland vows to come back stronger after surgery on fractured ankle

The 23-year-old Stoke stopper sustained the injury - almost certainly ruling him out of Euro 2016 - in the first half of the 3-2 friendly win over the world champions in Berlin.

He went under the knife on Tuesday night, and posted a picture of himself from his hospital bed on Wednesday morning with his thumb up alongside the message: “Morning guys, very pleased to say the operation was successful! I’m 3 more screws closer to a walking toolbox!”

He added: “But seriously, this is where the hard work begins! I can’t wait to get stuck into recovery and return better than ever! #BiggerBetter”

With this summer’s European Championship only 10 weeks away, Butland accepts the rehabilitation that lies ahead effectively rules him out of contention.

“I don’t think it (Euro 2016) is going to be an option for me now to be honest because I won’t be able to play again between now and the end of the season,” Butland told #pottersmag earlier this week.

“I will have an operation on Tuesday night and then it is all about working hard and making sure I come out the other side stronger and better than before.

“It is difficult because I have been working towards the Euros this summer, but I won’t be able to be part of that experience now.

“It isn’t the challenge that I expected or wanted this summer but I’m going to approach it with the right mentality and learn from it, both physically and mentally.

“I have not had to deal with an injury like this before so I will come out of it as a stronger person and a better goalkeeper, and look forward to the start of next season.”