Uncapped goalkeeper Emily Ramsey says she is enjoying the competative dynamic in the England senior squad after she was called up to the Lionesses team last week.
Ramsey, 22, is spending the season on-loan at WSL high fliers Everton from parent club Man Utd and has impressed Sarina Wiegman with her club form to secure a place in the Lionesses squad for the first time. The young keeper is the only uncapped player included in the 26-person squad, with England facing Korea Republic in Milton Keynes on Thursday as they begin their 2023 Arnold Clark Cup campaign.
She has previously been involved with the senior squad during a training camp in the summer of 2021 and will now have an opportunity to be one of England's three goalkeepers at the World Cup in the summer, if she continues to produce her best form. Although the competition for selection is fierce, Ramsey is relishing the competitive environment of international football as she looks to win a maiden senior cap.
"I know both Sandy (MacIver) and (Ellie) Roebuck really well," said Ramsey. "And obviously Mary (Earps) who is more experienced. I have really enjoyed coming into that goalkeeper group. I have a good relationship with Mary, obviously, from United and I've always worked well with her."
"We have a good dynamic when we're training together so she's definitely someone that I look up to, with where she's taken herself to in the last couple of years and the success that she's had, as well as striving to compete with her.
"We have a competitive environment, which I think is really important. It's not coming in and - yes, Mary is (England) number one - but it's that training, that competitive edge and me competing against her almost. It's a fun environment to be in but, also, it pushes everyone."
"I think it's something you'd be silly not to think about - it is there (World Cup selection) but, for me, my focus all season has just been club and trying to cement myself and play games and play against the best teams in the league.
"There are four goalkeepers on this camp and three will be in the squad for the World Cup. It's a competition, realistically. I would love to be there but nothing can be taken for granted. Obviously, going away and playing in the WSL is the only thing that's going to ultimately push everyone to that level."
If Earps is rested at some point during the Arnold Clark Cup, Ramsey could win a first senior cap, with the Lionesses also facing Italy and Belgium after opening their campaign against Korea Republic on Thursday. The in-form Everton shot-stopper also admitted her surprise at receiving the call-up and was left unsure of how to react.
"It feels great," she said. "I didn't actually know what to say when Sarina (Wiegman) rang me. I think I just said thank you. I was just at home, sitting on my sofa and saw it was Sarina's number, I just thought 'oh my god'.
"But it has been great and I'm really enjoying it so far. Sarina has always been open to the fact that if you are playing well and regularly you're in with a chance."
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