Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale reveals he watched England at 2018 World Cup from Linekers Bar in Ayia Napa as he eyes No1 spot
ARSENAL and England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale revealed he watched England’s World Cup 2018 knockout clash with Colombia from Linekers bar in Ayia Napa.
The shot-stopper, 24, is in Gareth Southgate‘s Three Lions squad for Qatar.
He’s experiencing a World Cup first hand, but over four years ago he was in a different setting: Party destination Ayia Napa.
And Ramsdale has revealed he remembered watching England’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia from Linekers bar, which is owned by Three Lions legend Gary Linker’s brother Wayne.
He said in a press conference: “Oh God! I was watching the first game in Ayia Napa… that was an eventual night.
“The Colombia game was the night before pre-season.
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“There was a lot of cheering in the front room and I still get goosebumps. A real special night.”
England will contest Group B alongside Wales, USA and Iran, with all three inside Fifa’s top 20.
Southgate’s men are heading into the tournament in a shocking run of form.
England haven’t won since the 3-0 win over Ivory Coast in March.
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However, Ramsdale says England’s woes are being used as motivation.
He said: “No confidence has been affected. If anything, it’s given us more motivation.
“We’ve got added motivation to turn our form around and put those results behind us.
“We’re going in full of confidence knowing what we can do.”
Ramsdale is now an established England squad member but wants to stake a claim to the No1 shirt, which currently belongs to Jordan Pickford.
He said: “Squad numbers are squad numbers. Jordan’s done extremely well for England and he’s playing well for Everton.
“You need all three of us to train properly to get the No1 to his best.
“It will be difficult for two of us to flick the switch, although Nick and I have done it before.
“Whoever gets that first game will get the full support of the group.”
England scored just four goals in six Nations League fixtures in June and September.
All four goals came against Germany and the Three Lions registered no wins, resulting in relegation from the competition’s top group.
Ramsdale says others need to chip in with goals and not rely on near-record goal-scorer and captain Harry Kane.
The keeper added: “Of course we need Harry (Kane) to be scoring but we need others to chip in too.
“Marcus Rashford has come in and been a breath of fresh air, so training is intense.”
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England’s first group game is on Monday 21 against Iran and a date with USA follows on the Friday.
A group finale against Wales will then take place on November 29.
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