Aaron Ramsdale says Arsenal’s growing England contingent is proof the club is moving in the right direction.
On the fringes of the squad during the European Championships, the 23-year-old’s quest to become Gareth Southgate’s number one began in earnest last night with a debut against minnows San Marino.
Granted, a solitary save and decisive punched clearance aside, he barely had anything to do, but that didn’t take the shine off a milestone moment as the Three Lions mauled the minnows 6-0*.
That he got to share the pitch with Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, who were both on the scoresheet, was an added bonus.
“I’m delighted for those two,” he told reporters afterwards. “Obviously Emile has two caps now, his first start and first goal and Bukayo scored as well.
“It is a really nice evening for us three lads and the football club as a whole, as a football club we are making strides and we delivered on the international stage tonight and I couldn’t be more proud of those two boys.
He added: “It is a night I won’t forget. A night I have been dreaming of for a long time, it doesn’t matter who we played or what the score was, it was a special day for myself and my family.
“Over the next few days I think I will properly digest it and look back on one the proudest days of my life.”
Having spoken openly about his desire to play at the World Cup in a year’s time, Ramsdale knows he needs to keep building momentum after a fast start to life at the Emirates.
“It has been my goal every time there’s been games coming up,” he said.
“Of course as you get that first taste you want even more but between now and Qatar there is a lot of football to be played – especially at club level and other internationals, so as long as I continue my form with Arsenal then I’m sure I can put something in the manager’s mind.”
Understandably, Smith Rowe was also over the moon after a whirlwind week. A late addition to Southgate’s squad, the 21-year-old now has two caps and a sweetly taken goal to his name. Suddenly a place on the plane to Qatar 2022 doesn’t seem out of reach despite the huge competition for places.
“It’s a target,” he said. “That’s something that I’m going to reach for, but it was great to score tonight and that’s a start.
On his goal he added: “I’m buzzing to be honest, but the main focus was qualifying tonight and we’re happy we done that today.
“I think Bukayo crossed it and Tammy flicked it on and I shouted for him and it was a decent finish to be fair so I’ll take it.
“It’s a bit surreal to be honest, its a shame that my parents were unable to be here see it, but I’m sure they’ll be proud.
“Coming away I’ve learnt a lot and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to play. I’m just going to keep working hard and we’ll see what happens.”
Here’s hoping the good vibes continue through to the weekend when Arsenal face a very stiff test away at Liverpool.
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* Four goals deducted due to Harry Kane.
Should be five tbh. Another should have been deducted due to El Frigo the other Harry.
That said, buzzing for them. A steely and classy English core won’t do us any harm at all. In fact, I have a snug feeling that our lone goal against Watford was only given cos of English tax. Don’t take my word for it but it’s a sneaky feeling that more core English internationals playing for us will swing one or two tight points our way every season. Now, about Saturday business, let’s play with no fear and anything can happen. COYG!!!
Hope that’s partially true. At least the refs are buying into our englishness. The media on the other hand – they were trying their best to make a meal out of that Watford goal. Bunch of tw*ts
I mean how charming is it that Smith Rowe constantly bringing up how important his parents are! There’s a grit yet innocence about him that’s so special. Love this guy
Even his “dietary” issues were I’m sure the variety where your mom buys or makes you not the healthiest food because she’s just happy to see her boy eating a lot.
Thank god our lads didn’t get injured…..I was having kittens watching them on that shit pitch 🐈🐈🐈
Some of our lads did get injured on international duty though; Aubameyang, Balogun, and Kolasinac.
Really hope Auba is good for Saturday.
Seems auba had permission to leave early from his duties to prepare for liverpool. Think they are out of reach for an wc spot also ..
To think Smith Rowe was still playing with the U23 a year ago is quite vertiginous.
If my calculations are correct, by December 2022 he should have become England captain – about time.
And by December 2032 he’ll overtake Harry Kane as England’s record goal scorer (and that without being the penalty taker).
This is exactly why England will not win a World Cup or Euros. Too much hype and pressure around the youngsters too soon. As soon as they have a good game ppl get too excited and demand so much. Let them enjoy it Ffs.
Yeah, that must be the reason, because young Brazilian stars face little pressure. In fact, in every South American country, the fans are relaxed and let their young players develop without the weight of expectations. Pretty much the same in France or Italy. Everyone’s chill.
I can’t believe it. Are you seriously doubting the fact that Smith Rowe will be the greatest football player the world has ever seen?
This reminds me of the “it’s coming Rome.”
Probably the most painful moment for English fans
😁😁😁
Hearing the England fans sing the “Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe” song against San Morino really was something.
Loving the deducted goals, the two penalties the ref dished out were a joke, I was embarrassed watching it, the fact that Harry Drain strutted around like he was the don was shameful!!!
Laughed at the asterisk…knew what it meant immediately!!