“There's a fight on” Ramsdale aims for England spot

Southgate has called up Aaron Ramsdale for the upcoming England games.

Aaron Ramsdale moved to Arsenal in a much-criticized £30m move this summer. However, the goalkeeper has exceeded the expectations with a series of impressive performances for the Gunners.

•Man of the Match against Leicester

•Nominated for Premier League Player of the Month

•Called up to the England squad

Not a bad week for Aaron Ramsdale. pic.twitter.com/s7jON0THRn
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) November 4, 2021

Ramsdale the new England No.1?

The former Sheffield United keeper has been called to the England national team by Gareth Southgate. Ahead of his side’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino, Southgate admits Ramsdale will challenge Jordan Pickford for a place in the starting XI.

“Firstly, it’s great for him,” Southgate admitted (via football.london) in a press conference. “This is the third squad he’s been in, he had the summer with us.

“We were impressed with what he did in the summer and he started very well with Arsenal, that’s at this stage of the season still quite a small sample of games but we’re really pleased with what he’s doing and the way he’s playing and his distribution with his feet is a particular bonus of the way that they play at Arsenal and the skill set that he’s got.

“So I think there’s a there’s a fight on. We’ve got competition for places and we need competition places in every position. Aaron and Sam [Johnstone] are definitely providing that to Jordan.”

Ramsdale has secured his place in Arsenal’s lineup, beating Bernd Leno with his brilliant performances. Pickford must prepare himself for serious competition over a place in England’s starting XI for the upcoming 2022 World Cup.

England’s 25-man squad

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)