Ian Wright: Big England battle ahead for Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford
Ian Wright senses a big battle ahead between Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Arsenal shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale for the England jersey.
Pickford, 27, has been Gareth Southgate’s undisputed number one since the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
However, Ramsdale has recently emerged on the scene and the 23-year-old has been in inspired form for Arsenal this season, transforming the Gunners’ fortunes and keeping countless clean sheets along the way.
Speaking on ITV 1 ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Monday night [15/11/21], Wright suggests Ramsdale could push for Pickford’s spot if he continues his form.
“Aaron Ramsdale is worth his place,” Wright said. “It’s going to be interesting watching that development over the next year, him and Jordan Pickford, if he can carry on his form.
“It’s perfect, this is what you want as a manager in respects of Gareth, a young team.”
Big battle ahead for Blues man
After a few years without any real contenders to his throne, Pickford now has a fight on his hands to ensure he keeps his place ahead of next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Southgate has been one of Pickford’s biggest supporters over the years, continuing to place his faith in the Everton goalkeeper despite criticism over his form in the Premier League.
For England, though, Pickford has been near faultless.
But Ramsdale is on the rise and his performances have been lauded by pundits.
Currently, Arsenal and Everton are going in different directions.
The Gunners have been the laughing stock of the league in recent seasons, but they have shown some improvement in recent months and now sit fifth in the Premier League.
Everton, meanwhile, have dropped off after a good start to the season under Rafa Benitez.
That’s unlikely to help Pickford’s chances at England, but neither should it detract from his own talents.
Unless there is a dramatic downturn in his performances from now until the November 2022, he’s surely a shoo-in to start in Qatar.
In other Everton news, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shared his chances of playing in the Merseyside derby in an injury update.
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