Arsenal legend Ray Parlour expects Aaron Ramsdale to be England’s No1 - but not until after the World Cup in Qatar.
Ramsdale has been in fine form for Arsenal this season and he has defied the critics following his summer move from Sheffield United, which could eventually be worth £30million.
The goalkeeper is being tipped to become England’s new No1 and Gareth Southgate is due to name his latest squad on Thursday ahead of friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast later this month.
Parlour, who made over 300 appearances for Arsenal during his playing career, has been impressed with Ramsdale but he thinks Southgate will stick with Jordan Pickford for this year’s World Cup.
“I believe that it’s only a matter of time until Aaron Ramsdale is England’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Gareth Southgate is a very loyal man and I expect he will stick with Jordan Pickford for the World Cup in Qatar,” said Parlour.
“Ramsdale is doing everything right by providing big competition and he’s putting a lot of pressure on Pickford to keep his place.
“However, Pickford has never let England down so I’d be surprised if we introduced a new goalkeeper on the biggest stage at the World Cup.”
Ramsdale will, either way, be in Southgate’s latest England squad, but one player pushing to be included too is Ben White.
The Arsenal defender has shone this season, however he has not been called up by Southgate since last summer’s Euros.
“I fully expect Ben White to be in the England squad and there’s no doubt he’s in better form than some of his competition in central defence this year,” Parlour added.
“But I think the likes of Harry Maguire have a lot of credit in the bank with England and Gareth Southgate so I don’t expect they will lose their place for the World Cup.
“Southgate will be keeping a close eye on Harry Maguire, but he was in the team of the tournament at the Euros and I expect he will get another chance to perform at the World Cup as well.
“I’d encourage Ben White to keep knocking on the door by performing well for Arsenal and that will make the decision as difficult as possible for Gareth Southgate to make later this year.”
