Micah Richards has admitted ‘I was won over’ by Aaron Ramsdale after he met the Arsenal star. He also backs the goalkeeper to deliver for England if needed at the 2022 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate has taken Ramsdale to Qatar as part of the Three Lions’ 26-man squad in a three-strong goalkeeper group. The 24-year-old will compete with England and Everton’s No.1 Jordan Pickford plus Nick Pope of Newcastle United to build on his three caps to date.
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Ramsdale and Pope flew to the Middle East with a share of the lead in the Premier League Golden Glove race. Both shot-stoppers have kept seven clean sheets so far this season in 14 and 15 appearances respectively. Pickford sits 14th with three in a struggling Blues side.
The World Cup is Ramsdale’s second major tournament for England after securing a spot in Southgate’s Euro 2020 side. But he did not play a second as the Three Lions made the final last year. Yet his form at Sheffield United in 2020/21 secured his £30m transfer to Arsenal.
After a strong start to his career in north London, Southgate handed Ramsdale his England debut in November 2021. Although two Nations League games in June are the 6 ft 3 star’s only further caps. He has featured in 18 matchday sides since his first call-up in June 2021.
Richards admits ‘I was won over’ by Ramsdale and backs the Arsenal ace for England
Through his 14 Premier League appearances this season, Ramsdale has conceded 11 times in the seven games where Arsenal have allowed a goal. But he headed off to Qatar on the back of shutting out Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Wolves in his last three appearances.
Chelsea are the only top-six rival Arsenal have faced who have failed to beat Ramsdale. He allowed three at Manchester United, one to Tottenham Hotspur and two against Liverpool – but only lost to the Red Devils. The shot-stopper is also an authoritative presence in goal.
Richards now expects Ramsdale will be ready if England need the Arsenal star at the World Cup in Qatar. He also believes the confidence the goalkeeper displays off the pitch is a key factor behind his consistent performances between the sticks after meeting him recently.
“I met him recently during filming for A League of Their Own and I was won over by him,” Richards wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
“He’s a lad you cannot help but enjoy being around and the confidence he has off the pitch has helped his performances. He goes to Qatar on top of the league with Arsenal and he will be ready if called on.”
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