Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has revealed he wants to pip his Everton counterpart Jordan Pickford to the starting berth in the England national team ahead of next year’s European Championship.
The Gunners star has been in fine form since joining the North London club from Sheffield United in 2021, immediately establishing himself as a starter ahead of Bernd Leno.
Ramsdale is planning to do the same at international level and he knows the huge task ahead of him.
“That would be incredible,” the Arsenal goalie told Kicker when asked about playing for England at the Euros in Germany next summer.
“But first I need to play well for Arsenal to get into the squad and oust a superb goalkeeper there in Jordan Pickford.
“Of course, it is every boy’s dream to represent his country in a major tournament.
“And that too in a country with such great footballing importance and culture, which appreciates football so much. That would be very special.”
Pickford has been the Three Lions’ first-choice goalie since 2018, retaining his starting berth at the last two World Cups and the last European Championship.
The Toffees star has continually impressed, but manager Gareth Southgate knows Ramsdale is pushing for a place in his line-up.
The 25-year-old was close to winning the Premier League title last term while Pickford only escaped relegation on the last day of the campaign.
However, it appears how their respective clubs fare does not have a lot of direct effect on their chances with England.
Ramsdale will have to keep impressing and may need to win a major trophy next term to have a chance of starting ahead of Pickford at Euro 2024.
