Stephen Warnock has stated that he would start Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale for England’s opening game against Iran at the 2022 World Cup on Monday.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is the main man in between England’s sticks, but Warnock stated that Ramsdale is ‘better on the ball’ and he has been ‘outstanding’ at Arsenal this season.
At the 2018 World Cup in Russia and at Euro 2020, Pickford was one of England’s best players.
Whilst he has had his troubles at Goodison Park, including his recent error during Everton’s defeat to Bournemouth, he has been faultless in the colours of his country.
Despite that, former England left-back Warnock says he’d start Ramsdale against Iran, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports.
“I went for Ramsdale,” said Warnock. “I think distribution-wise, I think he is better than both of the other keepers. I think he is better on the ball.
“I think that’s something against Iran you are going to need to do because you will have plenty of the ball. From a confidence point of view, I think Ramsdale will be on cloud nine with his form at Arsenal. I think he has been outstanding so far.
“For me, it was a toss-up between Ramsdale and Pope. They are the two keepers I would pick from.”
PICKFORD DESERVES TO KEEP HIS PLACE
For the past 18 months, Pickford has been one of Everton’s best players, and on the International stage, he has never let his country down.
It’s great that he now has serious competition in Ramsdale behind him, including Newcastle United keeper, Nick Pope.
But he should keep his place when England kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran next Monday.
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