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Irrespective of results in the final rounds of Premier League action prior to the World Cup break, Arsenal will keep their pole position. The strong performances from Mikel Arteta’s men have seen the bulk of them get a call-up for their national team.
Gareth Southgate selected three Arsenal stars in his 26-man contingent for the Qatar trip. Bukayo Saka kept his place in the squad with Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale also making the cut.
An ecstatic Ramsdale was pleased with realizing his England dream, one that he had harboured as a young kid in Stoke on Trent. It was a just reward for being the mainstay in goal for the Gunners, being the final hurdle in their rivals’ ambitions.
The 24-year-old called his selection an honour, one that he has cherished realizing after following the Three Lions through numerous tournaments.
The World Cup is a dream for any boy – none more so than me from Stoke on Trent. I’ve worked my whole life to get here after watching so many tournaments and seeing players compete. It is such a privilege to be selected for this country.
Now it’s time to graft even more.
🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/oRI2BEvVkl
— Aaron (@AaronRamsdale98) November 10, 2022
“The World Cup is a dream for any boy – none more so than me from Stoke on Trent,” Ramsdale said. “I’ve worked my whole life to get here after watching so many tournaments and seeing players compete. It is such a privilege to be selected for this country. Now it’s time to graft even more.”
Gunners’ euphoric dressing room at callups
While Saka’s selection was more or less guaranteed, Ramsdale and White’s call-up was unexpected. News of the latter made rounds first, one that had the goalkeeper buzzing with excitement.
The former Sheffield United shot-stopper shared the dressing room environment at the receipt of the news. Talking to TalkSport he revealed that he was excited about the defenders’ inclusion and only later was informed that he will be joining him on the flight to Qatar.
Ramsdale admitted his fortune at the selection, stating that it was injuries to players and his own excellent form that has allowed him to make the final cut.
“I found out today at about ten to 12, we got a text from Emily, our player liaison,” Ramsdale told Drive. “I actually found out that Ben was in the group first and we were all buzzing for him and it kind of filtered through that me and Bukayo were in as well.
“The first reaction was we were just buzzing for Ben White. He’s been really impressive, right-back is not his main position but it’s one in which he’s excelling in at the moment.
“Obviously there are a few injuries there in the group at the moment and him playing so well for Arsenal has helped him. I’m made up for him because he shows what type of player he is… he’ll give his all in any position and dedicate himself to it as well.”
🗣️ “We pick the players that we believe have the quality and the personality to be helpful and successful.”
Mikel Arteta on being proved right to spend circa £80m on Aaron Ramsdale and Benjamin White.💰 pic.twitter.com/jmv2WYV6Yc
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 11, 2022
Arsenal will have a strong representation at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with as many as nine squad members leaving for the footballing extravaganza.
In addition to the English trio, teammates Matt Turner (USA), Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan), William Saliba (France), Granit Xhaka (Switzerland), Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus (Brazil), will be lining up for their respective national teams.
Thomas Partey is not travelling with Ghana and will be staying in London Colney while Emile Smith Rowe was not considered for selection due to injury.
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