‘It’s a shame’: Paul Merson gutted for Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale

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Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes it’s a shame Aaron Ramsdale has had to withdraw from the latest England squad.

The Gunners goalkeeper has been in sensational form for most of the season.

He joined Arsenal to a mixed reaction last summer but is now a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium.

Ramsdale has made 27 appearances for the Gunners, keeping 14 clean sheets and conceding just 24 goals.

The 23-year-old has helped Arsenal remain well in contention for a Premier League top-four finish.

Things are a little more difficult for England, however, with Jordan Pickford standing in his way.

Ramsdale made the Three Lions squad for Euro 2020 but didn’t play a single minute for his nation.

Indeed, the Gunners man had to wait until November to make his debut, playing in the 10-0 win over San Marino.

Now, England are preparing to play two friendlies at Wembley.

The Three Lions host Switzerland on 26 March and then take on the Ivory Coast on March 29.

Those games would’ve been the perfect opportunity for Gareth Southgate to take a better look at Ramsdale.

However, the Arsenal ace had to withdraw from the squad due to a hip injury.

“Ramsdale would have played”

Merson, speaking on Sky Sports, expressed his disappointment with Ramsdale’s current situation.

He also urged Southgate not to play Pickford, claiming the manager needs to build up more experience in reserve in case the Everton ace suffers relegation.

“It’s a shame Aaron Ramsdale is injured,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“I thought he would have had an opportunity in these friendlies to prove himself, but injury has put paid to that.

“In terms of England’s goalkeeper for the World Cup, a lot depends on what happens between now and the end of the season.

“If Everton go and get relegation, it’s going to be hard for Jordan Pickford to retain his position as England’s No 1.

“I thought Ramsdale would have played in these games because you don’t want a situation where the World Cup comes around and Gareth may have to turn to a goalkeeper who has just one cap.

“You can play in the Premier League but international football in a different game, one where you might not have to do anything for long periods but have to deliver in the crucial moments.

“I don’t see any point in Pickford playing in any of these matches at all. You don’t want a situation like what happened with Scott Carson repeating itself.

“Carson was a good goalkeeper, but he went into that massive Euro 2008 qualifier with no real experience. That cost England a place at a tournament, and it wasn’t fair on the player.

“You need back-up goalkeepers who have caps, and these friendlies present Southgate with the opportunity to do just that.”