Aaron Ramsdale has taken to Instagram to underline his delight at being called-up to the England World Cup squad – and Arsenal teammates Reiss Nelson and Mo Elneny have responded, the latter telling him he is “the no.1”.
Gareth Southgate picked his England squad on Thursday. Unsurprisingly, the three goalkeepers were Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Newcastle United’s Nick Pope – and Ramsdale. Pickford is largely expected to be Southgate’s first choice.
Whether Ramsdale or Pope are second choice behind Pickford remains to be seen. But both are involved and will be on the bench as England look to go as far as possible in the tournament. He is one of three Arsenal players picked.
Ben White also got the nod, while Bukayo Saka is likely to start for the Three Lions. Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, Manchester City’s injury doubts Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips, and Newcastle’s Callum Wilson also got the nod.
Ramsdale took to Instagram after the announcement and underlined his delight at being called-up by Southgate. An incredible achievement for a goalkeeper that only joined Arsenal from Championship side Sheffield United in 2021.
Arsenal teammates Nelson and Elneny respond as Ramsdale called-up
The chances that Ramsdale will actually feature in the competition remain to be seen. Perhaps, given England’s group, there will be a chance to rest players in the final group game – and either Pope or Ramsdale could come in to the side.
Pickford will be no.1, but for whatever reason, Southgate may have to turn to his back-up goalkeepers at some point. But for Pope and Ramsdale, it will be about remaining motivated and trying to keep Pickford on his toes in goal.
Elneny might have simply been praising Ramsdale, or telling the ex-Bournemouth stopper that he feels he should be in England’s no.1. Meanwhile, winger Nelson was clearly delighted to see his Arsenal teammate included.
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