Which Arsenal players should start for England in Qatar?

Ramsdale


By Oli Dickson Jefford

Though we will not be getting a summer World Cup as usual, this year’s showpiece in Qatar will come around sooner than expected.

After a run to the semi-final in 2018 and last summer’s run to the Euro 2020 final, expectations are high and there is certainly a good enough squad to challenge for the title.

Arsenal have produced an array of English talent and with several home-grown players in the team currently, several key players will be targeting a spot in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI come November.

With competition high in some positions, whether any of these players feature heavily remains to be seen - but should they be backed by Southgate?


Aaron Ramsdale - Yes


Obviously, there is the rest of this season and the beginning of the 2022/23 season to go before Southgate has to make a decision, but currently Aaron Ramsdale is the most in-form English goalkeeper.


Ramsdale has surprised everyone with his performances at the Emirates this season, with many questioning why he was signed initially before now showering him in praise.


Jordan Pickford has been Southgate’s no.1 and will likely still maintain that spot, but he has had a torrid time at Everton this year and will probably not be as confident as Ramsdale is.


It seems likely that Southgate will stick with Pickford, though Ramsdale is arguably deserving of a shot considering how confident his displays have been this season.



Ben White - Maybe


Much like Ramsdale, Ben White has also exceeded expectations this season with the £50m used to sign him looking like great value for money.


He has certainly excelled in Mikel Arteta’s back four and after a slow start to the campaign, his improvement has been remarkable.


In terms of fitting into Southgate’s squad, White has not been the England manager’s top choice to even make the squad in the past.


However with the likes of Harry Maguire, John Stones and Tyrone Mings in inconsistent form this season, White may be deserving of a starting XI berth by the time England’s opening match comes about.


Saka


Bukayo Saka - Yes


Very few England players are quite as popular as Bukayo Saka right now and there might be a public outcry if he doesn’t feature in the starting XI this winter.


Despite his relative inexperience, Saka has been a key player for England in recent months and his stunning run of form was crucial in England’s run to the Euros final last July.


Southgate is hardly short in attacking options with the likes of Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden to choose from.


However, Saka can compete and match any of them and Southgate should look for a way to fit him in his starting line-up in Qatar.



Emile Smith Rowe - No


Emile Smith Rowe has undeniable quality and has a bright future for his country, though this tournament might come too soon in terms of a starting spot.


The young midfielder has become an integral part of Arteta’s side and his relationship with the likes of Saka and Martin Odegaard has driven Arsenal’s slight resurgence this season.


However, he probably doesn’t have quite as much to offer England as the likes of Saka, Foden and Grealish do currently.


There will certainly be more opportunities for him in the future, but Smith Rowe will likely be a squad player for Southgate this time around.


Photo Credit: Getty Images

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