By Joe Roberts

19th Sep, 2023 | 4:40pm

Everton: Many want Jordan Pickford axed amid behind-the-scenes 'shock' at Arsenal

Many want Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to replace Everton number one Jordan Pickford as the England starter, according to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel.

Writing in the print edition of the Daily Mail (19 September, pg 66), Mokbel reported that the Gunners’ shot-stopper is on the radar of Chelsea and Bayern Munich after seemingly being dropped by Mikel Arteta for summer signing David Raya.

Amid this “shock” development in North London, Mokbel suggested there are “many” who want the Everton man dropped by Gareth Southgate in place of Ramsdale, who has remained on top form despite his relegation to the bench for Arsenal’s victory over the Toffees on Sunday (17 September).

Mokbel wrote: “Ramsdale has established himself as one of the best-emerging goalkeepers in Europe since his arrival [to Arsenal] from Sheffield United in 2021. He has become a feature in Gareth Southgate’s squad and made four senior appearances for his country, with many believing he should be playing ahead of Jordan Pickford.

“Indeed, there has been a degree of shock behind the scenes at the Emirates at Ramsdale’s omission from the line-up at Everton while sections of the fanbase believe the 25-year-old has done little wrong.”

Harsh

Ramsdale will feel disheartened to have been dropped by Arteta. He has done very little wrong for the Gunners and produced match-winning saves in their surprise Champions League-earning campaign last season.

That being said, Pickford would feel just as disheartened to lose his England spot for all the exact same reasons. Pickford has been a standout for England since he established himself as the top choice ahead of the 2018 World Cup, helping the Three Lions reach recently unmatched heights including the 2020 Euro final.

Since his move to the Toffees from Sunderland in 2017, Pickford has missed just 11 league games out of a possible 231, playing at a consistently high level in perhaps the toughest league in Europe [Transfermarkt].

Ramsdale, while unquestionably a top-quality goalkeeper who will achieve great things in his career, has played just four full seasons of Premier League football, and with just four international caps can’t lay a finger on Pickford’s experience.

Pickford has done nothing to warrant being dropped by Southgate. At just 29 years old, he has plenty of time left to compete at the top.

The former Blades ‘keeper will be understandably frustrated at his current situation at the Emirates, but Pickford can rest easy about his England spot unless his form drops significantly.

In other Everton news, Alan Shearer has shared his verdict after a controversial incident in the Toffees clash against Arsenal.