‘I looked over’: Journalist saw what Ramsdale was doing when Pickford made a save in England’s last game

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Aaron Ramsdale might not be getting any game time with England at the World Cup, but he remains an integral part of the squad atmosphere.

The Arsenal stopper is competing with Nick Pope to be second in line to Jordan Pickford. The Everton man is Gareth Southgate’s number one and hasn’t done anything to suggest he’ll be moved aside any time soon.

Pickford, like he has done so often with England, made a crucial save at 0-0 against Senegal in the last round. The stopper put a strong arm out to keep out a low drive in what could have been a defining moment in the game. Not long after, England got the lead and never looked back.

Ramsdale, of course, has made similar saves for Arsenal. And interviewing him for TalkSPORT this week, Alex Crook admitted he saw Ramsdale immediately get off the bench to applaud Pickford’s save.

“I was with the fans behind the goal the last game, I looked over to the bench after Pickford made the save at the near post, and you were one of the first ones on your feet applauding him,” Crook put to Ramsdale in the interview.

Ramsdale responded by opening up about how close the three goalkeepers and the coach are at England. He admitted it’s always nice to see something come off in a game that they’ve all been working on.

TBR’s View: Ramsdale is playing his part behind Pickford

It was quite a refreshing interview from Ramsdale, this. He didn’t just sit and say he’s happy to be there playing any part. In fact, he said it had been difficult training every day knowing he won’t play.

However, it is a mark of his excellent character that he is knuckling down and having an impact. Being a sub goalie when you’re used to being the main man is bound to be hard. But he is contributing in the best way he can.

Certainly, England fans – just like those Arsenal fans at home – know Ramsdale will be ready if the worst happens, and Pickford does need to come out.