GUNNER SUCCEED
Arsenal duo Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale tipped to break in England squad and star at World Cup by Ray Parlour
ARSENAL duo Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale should star for England at the World Cup, believes Gunners legend Ray Parlour.
The retired midfielder, 49, has been incredibly impressed by the big-money summer signings at the Emirates this season.
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And now he reckons they deserve to dislodge Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford in the Three Lions' starting XI.
White currently has two caps for his country, with Ramsdale on one.
But Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers labelled the ex-Sheffield United stopper as the best English stopper right now off the back of another sensational save.
However, Parlour recognises how Gareth Southgate likes to keep with the players who have delivered for him in the past.
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The Romford Pele said: "I believe that it’s only a matter of time until Aaron Ramsdale is England’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Gareth Southgate is a very loyal man and I expect he will stick with Jordan Pickford for the World Cup in Qatar.
"Ramsdale is doing everything right by providing big competition and he’s putting a lot of pressure on Pickford to keep his place.
"However, Pickford has never let England down so I’d be surprised if we introduced a new goalkeeper on the biggest stage at the World Cup.
"I fully expect Ben White to be in the England squad and there’s no doubt he’s in better form than some of his competition in central defence this year, but I think the likes of Harry Maguire have a lot of credit in the bank with England and Gareth Southgate so I don’t expect they will lose their place for the World Cup.
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"Southgate will be keeping a close eye on Harry Maguire, but he was in the team of the tournament at the Euros and I expect he will get another chance to perform at the World Cup as well.
"I’d encourage Ben White to keep knocking on the door by performing well for Arsenal and that will make the decision as difficult as possible for Gareth Southgate to make later this year."
Parlour added: "I must admit that I am surprised at how quickly Aaron has adjusted to the demands of being at a club the size of Arsenal and I didn’t expect him to push Bernd Leno to the bench so soon, but he’s earned his place and he’s made some incredible saves this season.
"I think Ramsdale has the personality and leadership qualities to be captain at the club, but I personally prefer an outfield player to wear the armband because it’s easier to manage the referee and situations all over the pitch.
"Ben’s proven to be a great signing. White has formed a solid partnership with Gabriel and we’ve kept a lot more clean sheets this season as a result.
"He’s certainly delivered and he seems to have really embraced the responsibility of making that defence more solid than it has been in recent years."
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Parlour is enjoying watching Arsenal at the moment as they press on towards Champions League qualification with an exciting brand of football and plenty of in-form young stars.
Speaking to ahead of its opening featuring match-worn Lionel Messi boots and Pele shirt, he added: "I make Arsenal favourites to finish in the top four and above the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham.
"I actually think Arsenal should have one eye on Chelsea as I think they could even finish third.
"Bukayo Saka can become anything he wants to be. If he continues on his current journey, he will become a world-class player in a few years.
"I’m a big fan of Emile Smith-Rowe. I love the way that he’s so direct running at players and committing defenders. He’s an excellent player and I’m excited to see him fulfil his potential.
"Martin Odegaard has proven to be an absolute bargain. His vision and his passing is a joy to watch."
Keeping Lacazette would be a big benefit to the younger players
Ray Parlour
But one of the headaches Mikel Arteta needs to work out is the captaincy.
Alexandre Lacazette took the armband when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in January - but the Frenchman's contract expires in the summer.
And while Parlour wants to see the No9 stick around, he has a different name in mind for the permanent skipper.
The Gunners academy graduate and three-time Premier League winner continued: "If Arsenal could keep Lacazette in the dressing room for another year, I think it would be a big benefit to the younger players and he’s definitely still capable of making contributions on the pitch too.
"I would love to see Kieran Tierney become captain of Arsenal.
"He’s been a brilliant signing from Celtic and I think his personality really shines through on the pitch.
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"His desire and commitment to the cause is never in question.
"I think he also has the balance between youth and experience to be respected by everybody within the dressing room."
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- Ray Parlour was speaking to the to celebrate the launch of its new exhibition, Football: Designing the Beautiful Game, on Friday 8th April. Tickets are available to purchase from today:
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