Aaron Ramsdale admits it 'will be difficult' to play a supporting role with England but admits the competition with Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope is healthy.
Pickford has long been Gareth Southgate's first-choice option between the posts, helping the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the previous World Cup in 2018 before penalty shootout heartbreak against Italy in the delayed Euro 2020 last year. The Everton goalkeeper looks set to continue his leading role after being handed the No.1 shirt before the squad flew out to Qatar.
In Ramsdale and Pope, however, the Blues man arguably faces his stiffest competition for the spot since he took over from Joe Hart. Ramsdale's Arsenal currently top the Premier League going into the winter break while Pope's Newcastle United are flying high in third - both share the best defence in the league thus far, with just 11 goals conceded each.
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But speaking to the media ahead of their opening fixture on Monday, Ramsdale admits that the bond and competitive relationship between the in-form trio can only be a positive in preparing the eventual starter come kick-off.
“Fair,” Ramsdale said bluntly when asked what he thinks of the competition. “I see it as it is, obviously squad numbers are squad numbers. He’s [Pickford] done extremely well for England and he’s been in fine form for Everton as well, so is Nick. It’s not just me racking up clean sheets, Popey is as well.
“We've got a great bond between the goalkeeping group. You need all three of us to train properly to get the No.1 to its best so we're all training like a No.1 at the minute and then it will be difficult for two of us to try and flip the switch to help out. It's something which me and Popey - a little bit less Jordan - but me and Popey definitely have done before so whoever gets that first game will get full support from the group.
“You never know with tournament football. anything can happen and you’ve just got to be ready if called upon."
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