Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale, according to Chris Sutton, are ‘closely matched’.
The veteran striker stated on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast that there was stiff competition for England’s No.1 place, but he would prefer Ramsdale ‘any day of the week’.
The discussion over who should start in goal for the national team resumed this week after the Everton goalkeeper started the match against Ukraine before being replaced by Ramsdale in their friendly win over Scotland.
Pickford has cemented his place in Gareth Southgate’s ambitions in recent years, and has been one of the first names on the team sheet since his World Cup exploits in 2018.
The 29-year-old has continued to impress for the Three Lions, but Ramsdale’s form for Arsenal has prompted many fans to urge for him to replace his international teammate.
While Ian Ladyman, Mail Sports’ Football Editor, was emphatic that Pickford should keep his job, Sutton insisted that the Arsenal goalkeeper was the better alternative.
“So, a free-kick whipped into the box in the 92nd minute of a tight game – who would you prefer in goal?” Sutton remarked on the program. Ramsdale would win out over Pickford every time.
“I believe he is a more accomplished and safer goalkeeper.” Pickford’s feet are cleaner in my opinion, but Ramsdale’s aren’t all that horrible.
“I think both goalkeepers are very evenly matched, but if you had to pick one, I think most people would say Ramsdale over Pickford.”
Dropping Jordan Pickford in favor of Aaron Ramsdale would be a ridiculous move.
Jordan Pickford has 55 caps for England since debuting in 2017 and has established himself as a regular under Gareth Southgate.
When he led England to a penalty shootout victory over Colombia in his first World Cup, the former Sunderland man soon became a hero, before saving another crucial penalty in the Nations League the following summer.
Pickford went on to become the first goalie in history to keep five consecutive clean sheets in a European Championship, then save two Italy penalties in the final shootout. He didn’t stop there, keeping three clean sheets at the 2022 World Cup.
Despite this, fans continue to advocate for his removal from the starting lineup.
To be sure, Aaron Ramsdale is an outstanding goalkeeper who will surely succeed Pickford. However, the Everton star has performed admirably for his country and has provided no reason to be removed as of yet.