MY ACCOUNT
David Seaman believes the England No1 shirt still belongs to Jordan Pickford — but title-chasing Aaron Ramsdale is ready to take it off him.
The goalkeeping duo were both called up to Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine today alongside Nick Pope.
Everton stopper Pickford, 29, has been a regular throughout Southgate’s reign but is now being pushed closely by Ramsdale, who is starring for the Premier League leaders.
Speaking exclusively to LiveScore at the London Football Awards, ex-Gunner Seaman said of the battle to be No1: “It’s in Jordan’s hands because whenever he plays for England, he plays really well.
“You can’t doubt that. He’s made big saves, penalty shoot-out saves.
“So if he keeps doing that then Aaron’s going to be waiting quite a while longer but it’s all about being ready when you get the chance and Aaron’s ready, there’s no doubt about that.”
The 24-year-old has expertly marshalled Mikel Arteta’s Gunners backline this season, earning a Premier League-high 12 clean sheets from 27 games.
Seaman is delighted to see the Arsenal No1 getting better with each passing game as they bid to earn their first title since 2004.
The two-time Premier League winner said: “It’s been great. He’s improving, that’s the thing. He’s working on different things but he’s improving all the time.
“The more experience that he gets at this level is going to be brilliant for him.
“His next level will be obviously playing for England and that will come with the way he keeps playing.
“He’s putting pressure on Jordan [Pickford], there’s no doubt. He’s putting pressure on Nick Pope as well. When you’re a team like this and you’re going for titles, it’s really good experience.”
The Three Lions face the Azzurri at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona next Thursday, before hosting Ukraine at Wembley on Sunday, March 26.
