- England’s No.2 has a remarkably refreshing perspective on life on the bench
- Fans have praised his mentality – and the unity Gareth Southgate has created
- Listen to It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY: How England fans will overwhelm Spanish supporters in Berlin
Aaron Ramsdale earns the fans’ respect as he talks about his experiences as England’s number two.
As England play Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin today, Ramsdale reflects on his time in the England squad, drawing praise from fans for his unique, refreshing perspective.
Ramsdale said the Euros had been an overwhelmingly positive experience despite not playing a single minute of a match, and that is unlikely to change given the stunning form of England’s number one, Jordan Pickford.
The 26-year-old remained upbeat when asked about his experience, summing it up by saying: ‘Out of a population of 60 million in England or whatever it is, I’m living all their dreams.
“And then there’s one guy who’s making my dream come true on the field, and that one guy is doing a fantastic job.”
Fans have praised England number two Aaron Ramsdale’s attitude during Euro 2024
Ramsdale (left) is England’s second-choice goalkeeper after Jordan Pickford (right)
His attitude is a prime example of the unity Southgate has created within the squad and a reflection of his own optimism at club level after spending most of last season at Arsenal as a replacement for David Raya.
‘It was heavy [being on the bench for Arsenal]”It was tough. But I’m free now, I’m here now,” he said. “I have the biggest honor, the biggest badge on my chest. Whether I play a minute or no minutes, it’s going to be the highlight for me.”
Fans on social media were quick to respond to Ramsdale’s comments, praising his spirit and humility. “That’s absolutely brilliant,” one said.
Another compliment for Ramsdale and Southgate: ‘The mentality in this England team is really one of such cohesion, it’s beautiful to see. On this point Southgate deserves credit.’
A third said: ‘Seems like a nice guy. He’ll be jealous of course but he seems genuinely made up for Pickford.’
And a fifth: ‘What a wonderful mentality that is.’
But despite not having a minute of playing time, Ramsdale remains positive
Fans have recognised his genuine enthusiasm for teammate Jordan Pickford
Others have praised the unity that England manager Gareth Southgate has built within the squad
And it seems Ramsdale is also a man of the people: ahead of the Euro 2024 season opener in June, he urged the government to declare a week-long national holiday if football does indeed come home.
Ramsdale said on YouTube channel That’s Football: ‘It has to be a national holiday… for a week because nobody is working.’