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Arsenal legend David Seaman has backed Aaron Ramsdale to become England’s number one goalkeeper “sooner or later.”
The Gunners icon says current Three Lions favourite Jordan Pickford has certainly impressed for his country, but believes manager Gareth Southgate cannot ignore Ramsdale forever.
Ramsdale has just three England caps to his name, making his debut in a 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021.
Pickford meanwhile, who has been the go-to goalkeeper for England at recent major tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2020, has made 50 appearances for his nation.
Arsenal goalkeeper to start for England?
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England will make a return from their 2022 World Cup heartache later this month when they take on Italy and Ukraine in Euro 2024 qualifying. The Three Lions will visit the former on 23 March before hosting the latter three days later.
And while Arsenal legend Seaman doesn’t expect the “brilliant” Pickford to be dropped for Ramsdale immediately, he believes the Gunners’ number one will get his moment in the near future.
“Does he deserve more caps? Definitely,” Seaman said of Ramsdale, as per LiveScore. “He only has three and he needs to build on that because he has to be able to feel comfortable playing at that level.
“Jordan Pickford has been brilliant in an England shirt, you can’t doubt that. I wouldn’t imagine Gareth is thinking about having another number one at the moment. I imagine that Aaron will be number one at some stage and sooner or later will get that opportunity.”
Ramsdale a ‘massive character’
Seaman continued by noting Ramsdale’s past, with the goalkeeper relegated from the Premier League during his time at both Sheffield United and Bournemouth.
But the Gunners legend, like current boss Arteta, saw the shot-stopper’s potential even back then, with the decision to bring him to the Emirates undoubtedly one of the best in the club’s recent history.
Ramsdale has 11 Premier League clean sheets to his name this season, with only Newcastle’s Nick Pope ahead of him in the list with 12.
“It’s different levels,” Seaman added. “When he was at Sheffield United and Bournemouth a lot of people said that was a negative because he’d been relegated twice and I was like, ‘No, this is playing under pressure, like massive pressure, the pressure of getting relegated.’
“He’s got a different pressure now but he is a massive character, especially in the dressing room and on the pitch, he’s still making these big saves and his concentration levels are immaculate.”
Crucial month ahead for Arsenal
Having lost at home to fellow title challengers Manchester City on 15 February, Arsenal are now on a four-game unbeaten run, with Ramsdale keeping two clean sheets in that time.
They continue their fight for an elusive title at London rivals Fulham on Sunday, with that match coming in between two Europa League meetings with Portuguese side Sporting.
The Gunners travel to Portugal for the first leg this evening, with the second leg scheduled for the Emirates next Thursday night. Arteta’s men have another London clash in March when they meet Crystal Palace following the Europa League return fixture.
All set for Sporting CP 💪 pic.twitter.com/q1l2kYukXY
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 8, 2023
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