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Ramsey will roar for Three Lions
Steven Gerrard believes it is only a matter of time before Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey is called up to the England senior squad.
Ramsey, 20, has been a regular for Villa in the Premier League this term and was in scintillating form against Leeds last night when netting twice in a 3-3 draw.
Speaking after the game, his boss — who won 114 caps for the Three Lions — left little doubt over how highly he rates his young protege.
Gerrard, 41, explained: “I know the level of the England players, I’ve been around it, and have enough experience to know it’s only a matter of time but let’s all be sensible and keep calm about it.
“I want him to make his own headlines with his football. He is a top talent, I’m loving every moment of working with him.
“He is getting stronger with each game because we’re giving him the platform to express himself. He is in a wonderful place.
“It won’t be long before the whole country is watching him, I’m sure. He is right up there let me tell you.”
Ramsey has made 21 appearances for his boyhood club in all competitions this term, scoring five times, and featured in last year’s European Under-21 Championship for his country.
Antonio questions Zouma response
West Ham forward Michail Antonio has spoken out on the ongoing controversy surrounding his club team-mate Kurt Zouma.
Zouma, 27, has been at the heart of a raging debate after disturbing footage emerged online of him appearing to kick one of his pet cats, which the RSPCA have since removed from his possession.
Asked for his views on the subject this morning, Hammers forward Antonio, 31, opted to take the discussion in a different direction.
Antonio said: “I’ve got a question for you. Do you think what he’s done is worse than racism?
“I’m not condoning a thing that he’s done. I don’t agree with what he has done at all.
“But there are people who have been convicted and been caught for racism who have played football afterwards. They got an eight-game punishment or something like that.
“People are now calling for people to be sacked and lose their livelihood. I’ve just got to ask this to everyone out there, is what he’s done worse than what the people convicted of racism did?”
Manager David Moyes has faced scrutiny for his decision to play Zouma in Tuesday evening’s 1-0 win over Watford but club officials have backed the Scot’s decision.
They have also announced that Zouma has been fined two weeks’ wages — thought to be around £250,000 — with the money to be donated to animal welfare charities.