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Aaron Ramsdale shows true colours as England and Arsenal keeper previews Euro 2024 final
Aaron Ramsdale has remained upbeat despite his lack of game time in Germany.
Aaron Ramsdale has issued a defiant message ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain, with the Arsenal goalkeeper showing his true colours towards team-mate Jordan Pickford.
Ramsdale is one of just a handful of players not to have featured during England’s run to the final, but his lack of minutes hasn’t forced the shot-stopper into being downbeat.
Instead, Ramsdale has thrown his weight behind England No.1 Pickford, insisting he’s still ‘living the dream’, even if he’s spent the entire tournament sat on the bench.
Ramsdale commented: "Out of a population in England of 60 million or whatever it is, I'm living all of their dreams and then there is one man living my dream on the pitch and that one person is doing a hell of a job.”
It’s a fair assessment of his counterpart, with Pickford repaying Gareth Southgate’s trust and proving himself as one of England’s most important players this summer.
Barring an injury or a sending-off for the Everton man in tonight’s final, Ramsdale is all but guaranteed to leave Germany without playing a single minute at Euro 2024.
Not that it’s bothered him though, with Ramsdale admitting being part of a squad that brings football home will still be the ‘pinnacle’ of his career.
On his time with the England squad, Ramsdale added: “It was tough [being on the bench for Arsenal], it was tough. But I have my release now, I’m now here.
"I’ve got the greatest honour, the greatest badge on my chest. If I play a minute or no minutes, it will be the pinnacle for me."
Ramsdale’s reaction is a testament to the work Southgate has done behind the scenes, creating a holistic environment for the England players to flourish.
It’s paid off too, with several of England’s fringe players - including semi-final hero Ollie Watkins - contributing to the side’s success throughout the competition.
And it’s something Chelsea star Conor Gallagher doesn’t believe the England boss gets enough praise for.
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Speaking before the final in Berlin, Gallagher said: “He definitely deserves more credit than what he gets.
“How he’s been with England and how far he’s got in major tournaments is a major achievement… so a lot of credit to Gareth and the backroom staff.”
England are looking to end almost six decades worth of hurt with a win against three-time winners Spain in tonight's Euro 2024 final.