Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has stated that Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale faces a tough task at international level.
Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale is currently battling with Jordan Pickford for the right to be first choice ‘keeper for England.
At present, Pickford holds the position, and has long had the trust of Gareth Southgate. However, Ramsdale himself is making a strong claim to be the Three Lions’ No. 1.
The Arsenal man started for England in their recent 3-1 win against Scotland and turned in an impressive performance. He has also been generally solid for the Gunners since his £30 million arrival from Sheffield United in August 2021.
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In the meantime, Pickford has endured a mixed start to the season in terms of his personal form for Everton. He has already made a couple of mistakes for the struggling Toffees, but did produce a spectacular draw-saving stop against Sheffield United last time out.
With EURO 2024 coming up next summer, the battle for the England starting spot will be fiercely fought throughout the campaign.
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Darren Bent believes Southgate has a difficult choice on his hands. Speaking on TalkSport, he said, “I love Aaron Ramsdale and I think he’s a better goalkeeper [than Pickford]…but it’s really hard to take that number one shirt off Pickford…he has not let England down…for England, he’s almost faultless.”
Raya could ruin Ramsdale international dream
Another factor that could significantly impact Ramsdale’s international prospects is the recent arrival of David Raya at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal signed the Spanish ‘keeper on loan from Brentford this summer, but it is expected that his move to the north London club will be converted into a permanent one.
The Daily Mail recently reported that Mikel Arteta is seriously considering giving Raya a run in the Arsenal starting XI. If Ramsdale were to lose his place as the Gunners’ first choice this season then that would surely end the 25-year-old’s hopes of usurping Pickford in the national team set up in time for EURO 2024.