Should Aaron Ramsdale be England's no.1 for Qatar 2022?

Aaron Ramsdale signed for the Gunners for a fee of £30 million

Should Aaron Ramsdale be England's no.1 for Qatar 2022?

When Aaron Ramsdale signed for Arsenal, many people were asking big questions about the recruitment strategy. 
It just felt strange to see Mikel Arteta bring in another goalkeeper, having sold Emiliano Martínez and while Bernd Leno was still on the books. 
He was England's fourth-choice goalkeeper this time last year, but the shot-stopper has developed so much in such a short space of time that many, myself included, feel foolish for doubting him. 
His stock has risen significantly, displacing Leno and showing that he has the potential to be Arsenal and England's number one for years to come. 
Ramsdale is now receiving praise from Arsenal fans, legends and neutral pundits as well, particularly in the wake of his stunning performance against Leicester City. 
But does he have the ability to displace Jordan Pickford as England's goalkeeper by Qatar 2022?

The competition 

England have an abundance of goalkeepers on the verge of being classed as top-tier. 
Pickford, Ramsdale, Nick Pope, and Dean Henderson all have the potential to become elite-level keepers. 
However, all four have serious question marks surrounding them as well. 
Pickford's club form has varied over the years, ranging from the sublime to the appalling. 
Pope plays for Burnley, a club that habitually finds itself battling it out at the bottom of the table. 
They also rarely play out from the back or expect Pope to be under much pressure in possession. 
This would be fine if England didn't play the more expansive and possession-based system that's become the norm under Gareth Southgate. 
Many people thought Henderson would be the answer to these questions, but the Manchester United academy graduate looks less and less likely to get game time at Old Trafford. 
David de Gea has re-established himself as first-choice in Manchester and now Henderson is looking at two years without consistent first-team football. 
The questions surrounding Ramsdale are more closely related to his past clubs than his recent performances. 
The stopper was part of two poor sides in the form of the 2020/21 Sheffield United side and AFC Bournemouth's relegated 2019/20 team. 

Ramsdale's strengths 

Ramsdale's biggest strength is his youth; at 23 years old the keeper could have over a decade of football left at the highest level. 
The youngest of England's candidates, the 6ft 2in goalie has plenty of time to learn. 
He's also playing for Arsenal, which makes him better suited to England's style of play.
Ramsdale's distribution has always been held in high esteem and he's second only to Pickford in this regard. 
If he can continue to prove his shot-stopping ability is up to scratch, then there's no reason why he can't displace the Everton keeper. 

What could stand in his way?

Ramsdale has really shown what he can do so far this season. 
It's still early days, and a lot can change in a year, but he truly is a candidate to start in goal for England in Qatar. 
The main hurdles in his way are his consistency and Pickford's form. 
Southgate has shown over a number of years that he trusts Pickford. Despite his questionable club form leading up to the Euros, Southgate stood by him. 
It's entirely possible that it would take a capitulation the likes of which we have not seen in many years for Pickford to lose his place in Southgate's side. 
Then there's also the fact that while Ramsdale has been seen as a top keeper for just under half a season, players like Pickford and Pope have been performing at this level for years. 

Conclusion

Qatar is getting closer and closer, but who will start in goal for England is far from guaranteed. 
My heart tells me that Ramsdale can continue this stunning rise and end up displacing Pickford. 
However, it feels like the moment to replace Pickford has passed and that he is now going to be England's first choice for years to come, regardless of form. 

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