Throughout the first half of the 2022/23 season, pundits and supporters spent many hours discussing how Gareth Southgate should line his England side up in their first World Cup game against Iran. Much has been said about what front three should lead the way or who will partner John Stones in defence on Monday afternoon, but not much on the No. 1 spot.
Southgate has three options in between the sticks. Everton's Jordan Pickford has long been the Three Lions' first choice goalkeeper under Southgate, with Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope included as strong competition. The Arsenal shot-stopper has earned three caps for his country - all coming since his £30 million move to the Emirates - but has been forced to be second choice.
Ramsdale comes into the World Cup in the best form of his career, with seven Premier League clean sheets in 14 games. The 24-year-old has been pivotal in the Gunners' immense start to the season as Mikel Arteta's men find themselves at the top of the tree for Christmas for the first time since 2007.
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The change of attitude towards Ramsdale from the public has been dramatic after many criticised his arrival in north London. The former Sheffield United player received a barrage of abuse on social media following his £30million move in 2021 after he had previously suffered three relegations in four years at previous clubs but is now regarded as one of the best English goalkeepers.
And ahead of England's opening game in Qatar on Monday afternoon, Ramsdale has been backed to start in goal over Pickford and Pope by former Three Lions defender Stephen Warnock. Pickford comes into the tournament with five goals conceded in his previous two Premier League games and has often been criticised for his performances in the English top-flight.
"I went for Ramsdale," Warnock told The Football Show on Sky Sports. "I think distribution-wise, I think he is better than both of the other keepers. I think he is better on the ball.
"I think that's something against Iran you are going to need to do because you will have plenty of the ball. From a confidence point of view, I think Ramsdale will be on cloud nine with his form at Arsenal. I think he has been outstanding so far.
"For me, it was a toss-up between Ramsdale and Pope. They are the two keepers I would pick from."
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