Jack Butland pleased with successful ankle operation

England goalkeeper Jack Butland has declared the operation on his fractured ankle, which he suffered against Germany, a success.

The Stoke player was hurt moments before he conceded the first goal in the 3-2 away win over the world champions at Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Butland is almost certain to miss the European Championships after he was initially ruled out of action for at least three months.

The 23-year-old had surgery on Tuesday night and posted a picture of himself giving a thumbs up on Wednesday morning from his Twitter account.

Butland also published two tweets, which read: "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"

Butland also tweeted his sympathy to Newcastle goalkeeper Rob Elliot who has been ruled out for six months after suffering a knee injury playing for the Republic of Ireland.

He wrote: "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!"

Euro 2016 starts in France in just 10 weeks and Butland has already accepted the likelihood of him making Roy Hodgson's squad is slim.

He is the latest goalkeeper to suffer an injury after Joe Hart pulled a calf muscle in the recent Manchester derby.

It is not a serious problem, however, Manchester City expect him to have recovered in time for their first Champions League tie against PSG next midweek.

Although he is fit, Southampton's Fraser Forster only returned from a long-term knee injury in January which had kept him out for nine months.

Butland was quoted earlier this week as saying he was determined to come back from his ankle fracture in the right shape at the right time.

He said: "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.

"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."