There are few things more heartbreaking in football than seeing a player who has been enjoying a good season at club level get injured on international duty ahead of a major tournament, and sadly that is exactly what happened to both Jack Butland and Rob Elliot over the past few days.
Butland fractured his ankle while making a clearance against Germany last weekend, and his absence for the end of the season will be a big blow to Stoke City as Butland had been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season.
Similarly, Rob Elliot had been one of the very few Newcastle players to impress the fans this season with his performances, and was a certainty for the plane to France until he injured his ACL as Slovakia scored their first goal at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night.
However, the pair of keepers at least have some plans for Euro 2016, after they both reached out to comfort each other on twitter and agreed to meet up and have a few beers.
mate, gutted for you and wish you a solid recovery! you can come round mine and we can watch the euros together! head up mate! @the_dilsh ??
— Jack Butland (@JackButland_One) March 30, 2016
Cheers mate. Gutted for you.come back stronger big man. Sounds a plan I will bring the beers ?? https://t.co/YeHjU2QjuZ
— Robert Elliot (@the_dilsh) March 30, 2016
That is great to see.
The goalkeeper's union on full show.
Of course, both men would far rather take their hard-earned place at Euro 2016, but they will have to settle for a goalkeeping bromance instead.
