Osman and Campbell discuss whether Ramsdale can pip Pickford to England shirt
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has established himself as England’s first-choice since 2018, but he faces stiff competition for his starting berth going forward.
His Arsenal counterpart Aaron Ramsdale is eyeing his spot, and his recent performances for the Gunners would have alerted Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
The 23-year-old has kept three clean sheets in six appearances for Arsenal and is one of their star performers so far in 2021-22.
When asked whether they would pick him over Pickford for England’s number one shirt, Everton heroes Leon Osman and Kevin Campbell tipped him to give the 27-year-old a run for his money.
Osman told BBC 5 Live Sport (as shown on their official Twitter account): “It’s all about him performing for Arsenal isn’t it?
“If he keeps performing for Arsenal, if that tournament comes around… I think the reason Jordan Pickford probably got that edge over other goalkeepers and kept his shirt is because of his ability on the floor.
“I think that’s exactly what sets him apart at the minute, but Ramsdale is performing very very well.”
Campbell chipped in: “Ramsdale is good with his feet by the way. He’s good with his feet, but you know Pickford before the Euros, people were saying maybe he won’t be the goalkeeper, and I thought he was excellent in the Euros, so I don’t see him losing that shirt.”
Cause for concern?
Pickford’s ability with his feet has always given him an edge over his England competitors, but others are starting to show that they can be comfortable with playing the ball too.
While the Everton ace has shown no signs of slowing down so far this term, he has kept just two clean sheets in eight games, conceding 11 goals.
With Ramsdale impressing for Arsenal, Pickford surely has someone who is giving him a run for his money on the international level.
Mikel Arteta’s side plays out from the back, and the former Sheffield United man has not struggled with the system.
He is putting in some fine performances and making a case for himself to become England’s number one.
Pickford cannot afford to have many bad games in the months leading to next summer’s World Cup with the Arsenal keeper breathing down his neck.
The Everton star remains his country’s first-choice for now, but nothing is guaranteed with fierce competition now available for his berth.
In other Everton news, Toffees ace flouted Rafa’s tactical orders vs Watford, it kickstarted disaster.
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