England’s goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale (left) and Jordan Pickford take part in a training session at Al Wakrah SC Stadium in Al Wakrah yesterday. AFP
Doha: Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has said England are extra motivated to do well at the FIFA World Cup after failing to live up to expectations at the UEFA Nations League.
England, who finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup and played the final of the delayed Euro 2020, are among the title contenders in Qatar. But the Gareth Southgate’s side had a rocky build-up to the World Cup, going six consecutive matches without a win at the UEFA Nations League before heading to Qatar.
Ramsdale stressed England’s confidence was not affected after they were relegated to the Nations League second tier for the first time.
“No confidence has been affected. If anything it’s given us extra motivation,” the top Arsenal goalkeeper told reporters after England’s training session at the Al Wakrah Stadium, yesterday.
“We have added motivation to turn our form around and put those results behind us. We’re going into this full of confidence knowing how good we are,” said Ramsdale.
England will face Iran, USA and Wales in Group B dubbed ‘the group of death’ with all teams inside the top 20 club in the FIFA rankings.
Ramsdale, who is one of the three goalkeepers in England’s World Cup squad along with Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope, has been in fine form in the Premier League.
While Everton’s Pickford is expected to be England’s first choice goalkeeper, Ramsdale’s recent performance with leaders Arsenal, has brought him into contention for the playing XI in the opening game against Iran on November 21.
He has conceded only 11 goals this season keeping seven clean sheets - equal with Pope for Newcastle.
Ramsdale said anyone getting the opportunity in the starting side will get full support from rest of the two goalkeepers.
“Fair. I see as it is. Jordan Pickford has done extremely well for England and he is in fine form for Everton. And so is Nick Pope with Newcastle. I’m not the only one racking up the clean sheets,” said Ramsdale.
“We have a great bond between the goalkeepers and Martyn Margetson [goalkeeping coach] looks after us really well. You need three goalkeepers to train properly to get the No.1 to his best. We are all training as a No.1 and it will be difficult for the other two to flip the switch,” he added.
“But it is something me, Popey and to a lesser extent Jordan have done before. So whoever gets that first game will have our full support. But you never know with tournament football. You always have to be ready to be called upon.”
The 24-year-old has thrived in recent years becoming the leading Arsenal goalkeeper just three years after his parent club Sheffield United sent him on loan to AFC Wimbledon. The goalkeeper is relishing the moments as he comes closer to making his World Cup debut.
“There’s times when it is a pinch yourself moment. I speak to my parents or my wife and I’m in a really good place, especially after the first few years of my career learning my trade in difficult situations,” he said.
“It is really enjoyable at the moment and that hard work, you reap your rewards. I’m here now but that does not mean anything. I have to get my head down to try and get into the team.”
