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Jamie Carragher: Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey not ready for England
Jamie Carragher has claimed that Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey will be “top class” in the future but doesn’t think he is ready for the England team.
The 21-year-old has had a major say in a struggling Villa side’s recent rejuvenation, assisting the goal for Leon Bailey in the surprise 1-1 draw with Manchester City on 3 September, before scoring the only goal of the game next time out to beat Southampton 1-0 on 16 September.
Meanwhile the Three Lions are struggling badly, with the side that reached the final of EURO 2020 currently without a win or a goal in open play since March after losing 1-0 to Italy in Milan on Friday (23 September), and lacking the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson in the midfield.
In a debate on Twitter over who should be in the current squad but isn’t being picked Ramsey’s name was put forward, prompting former Liverpool player Carragher to reply: “None of those players would get in the team. Right now they are good PL players nothing more. (Ramsey will be top class in the future).”
Next generation
Gareth Southgate may be under pressure but he doesn’t tend to make sudden changes in the face of calls from fans or media.
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With the World Cup only a couple of months away now and Ramsey yet to be capped above under-21 level the chances of him getting into the senior squad currently is minimal unless a real crisis strikes at his position.
He has stood out lately for Steven Gerrard, so arguably the experience of rising to the top in a confused and embattled side under the guidance of a former England international would put him a good position to move into the national team.
Whether central midfield is even the Villans man’s best position is still open for debate, having done well further forward recently, but he does appear to be a key man for the future at his club.
That is sure to also become the case for his country before too long, even if right now it would be premature in Carragher’s eyes.
There are certain blind spots in Southgate’s outlook, although his recent tournament record can’t be easily questioned, and with Phillips suffering injury problems plus Henderson short of fitness he may need new central options.
But the Sky Sports pundit is surely right that even with those two out it is unlikely that anyone is getting in ahead of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, even if they were to make the squad.
In other Aston Villa news, Ramsey could be destined for a top six club if he keeps up this form.