Chris Sutton has claimed that Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale are ‘closely matched’.
Speaking on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast, the former striker admitted that there was tight competition for England’s No.1 spot, however he would prefer Ramsdale ‘every day of the week’.
The debate over who should be starting in between the sticks for the national team has kicked off once again this week after the Everton goalkeeper started the clash against Ukraine, before Ramsdale took his place in their friendly win over Scotland.
Pickford has solidified his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans in recent years, having been one of the first names on the team-sheet since his heroics in the 2018 World Cup.
The 29-year-old has continued to prove himself for the Three Lions, however Ramsdale’s impressive form for Arsenal has led to many fans calling for him to replace his international teammate.
While Mail Sports’ Football Editor, Ian Ladyman, was adamant that Pickford should keep his role, Sutton insisted that the Arsenal ‘keeper was the better option.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Speaking on the podcast, Sutton said: “So a free-kick whipped into the box in the 92nd minute of a tight game – who would you prefer in goal? I would have Ramsdale over Pickford every day of the week.
“I think he’s a more accomplished, safer goalkeeper. I think Pickford is a little bit cleaner but I don’t think Ramsdale is that bad with his feet.
“I think that both goalkeepers are very closely matched but if you were to choose one, I think most people would say they prefer Ramsdale over Pickford.”
Dropping Jordan Pickford for Aaron Ramsdale would be a crazy decision
Jordan Pickford has 55 caps to his name since making his England debut in 2017 and has established himself as a regular under Gareth Southgate.
The former Sunderland man quickly become a hero when he guided England to a penalty shoot-out victory against Colombia in his first World Cup, before saving another decisive penalty in the Nations League the following summer.
Pickford went onto become the first goalkeeper in history to keep clean sheets in the first five games of a European Championship, then saved two Italy penalties during the shoot-out in the final. He didn’t stop there and went onto keep three clean sheets during the 2022 World Cup.
Yet, after all that, fans are still calling for him to be dropped from the starting line-up.
Granted, Aaron Ramsdale is clearly a brilliant goalkeeper and will undoubtedly take Pickford’s role eventually. However, the Everton star has been excellent for his country and has given absolutely no reason to be replaced as of yet.