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Arsenal news: Campbell issues contentious Aaron Ramsdale claim after confirmed news
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will remain England’s first-choice goalkeeper despite Aaron Ramsdale’s “brilliant” Arsenal form.
So says former Gunners and Toffees hitman Kevin Campbell, speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement.
As confirmed yesterday (17 March), the England boss called up Ramsdale, 23, and Pickford, 28, to the 25-man squad – alongside Burnley shot-stopper Nick Pope.
The goalkeeper spot has been one of the most contentious positions in Southgate’s squad as the Three Lions prepare to face Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendly matches later this month.
As quoted by the Daily Mail after Arsenal defeated Leicester on Sunday (13 March), Foxes boss Rodgers insisted Ramsdale is “the best English ‘keeper at the moment”.
However, Campbell claimed “hero” Pickford will remain Southgate’s first-choice.
“Form-wise, you’d say Ramsdale has to start in goal for England,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“However, I still don’t think he’ll be at the top of that pecking order in Gareth Southgate’s eyes.
“The form guide says that Ramsdale has been brilliant – with all these top saves and clean sheets, Arsenal are flying.
“However, Pickford hasn’t let England down. The only thing Southgate can go with is the players he’s backed and the players who have performed for him.
“Pickford is one of those heroes, in both the World Cup and the Euros. I think he’ll still be in goal, if not for these friendlies then for some of the more important fixtures.”
Ramsdale has made just one England appearance, starting in goal for the 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021.
Pickford has amassed 42 caps for his country since making his debut in 2017.
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