Throughout the first half of the 2022/23 season, pundits and supporters spent many hours discussing how Gareth Southgate should line his England side up in their first World Cup game against Iran. Much has been said about what front three should lead the way or who will partner John Stones in defence on Monday afternoon, but not much on the No. 1 spot.
Southgate has three options in between the sticks. Everton's Jordan Pickford has long been the Three Lions' first choice goalkeeper under Southgate, with Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope included as strong competition. The Arsenal shot-stopper has earned three caps for his country - all coming since his £30 million move to the Emirates - but has been forced to be second choice.
Ramsdale comes into the World Cup in the best form of his career, with seven Premier League clean sheets in 14 games. The 24-year-old has been pivotal in the Gunners' immense start to the season as Mikel Arteta's men find themselves at the top of the tree for Christmas for the first time since 2007.
