Southgate to start Ramsdale and Smith Rowe against San Marino

Aaron Ramsdale has been regularly called up to England’s squad in recent months but is yet to play his debut for the Three Lions. This was not the case for his teammate

, who was lucky enough to make his debut days after his first senior call up.

The Arsenal midfielder was called up on the back of a series of impressive performances for the Gunners. As Arsenal gradually find their rhythm under Mikel Arteta, Smith Rowe has developed into a key player in the Gunners’ midfield. The 21-year-old made his England debut against Albania on Friday, being brought in as Raheem Sterling’s replacement in the 77th minute.

With Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish all out with injuries, Smith Rowe is set to get his first England start against San Marino on Monday.  According to

, both Smith Rowe and Ramsdale will be included in England’s starting XI for the game. 

Ramsdale is aiming to replace

as England’s number one goalkeeper ahead of the next year’s World Cup. The Arsenal keeper has displayed incredible form since joining the Gunners earlier this season, with Southgate admitting there is a “fight” for Pickford’s spot in the national team.

“This is the third squad he has been in, we were impressed in the summer. He has started well at Arsenal, still a small sample of games and distribution with his feet is a bonus with the way they play at Arsenal. There is a fight on (to be number one).”

 the England boss said last week.

England are only one point away from qualifying for the Qatar World Cup. The Three Lions are leading Group I of the qualifiers with 23 points from nine matches.

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