Does Aaron Ramsdale Deserve A World Cup Spot? FA Heroics Spark Debate

Saturday Heroics Cause Debate

A big talking point from the flurry of FA Cup games last weekend was the penalty heroics of Newcastle United goalkeeper, Aaron Ramsdale.

He saved three out of the nine penalties that he faced in the shootout with Bournemouth and was awfully close to saving a couple more.

It was some redemption as he was half to blame after confusion with Newcastle centre back Sven Botman which led to Bournemouth's third goal.

It was a great game for fans attending St James Park on Saturday with plenty of goals in a 3-3 draw however, Ramsdale's penalty heroics were enough to send Newcastle through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

He has been sharing goalkeeping duties with fellow Englishman Nick Pope and has been good enough in the games that he has featured in.

Whilst he is still yet to register a clean sheet in the league, his defence hasn't come in handy at the best of times and he faces a high volume of shots a game.

The shout for an England call up might come as a bit of a surprise for most fans, but on his day Ramsdale is one of England's best shot stoppers. When he is full of confidence, he is a hard keeper to beat.

Aaron Ramsdale stepped up today I felt like, took his opportunity for Newcastle United and shown a strong bottle in the shootout despite the messy late Bournemouth equaliser

3 penalties saved out of 7 and should of probably saved a couple more#NUFC

pic.twitter.com/AGegEahjs8

— Adam Pearson (YT) ⚫️⚪️ (@AdamP1242) January 10, 2026

So Far This Season

Ramsdale was signed by Newcastle to be the backup for Nick Pope between the sticks. The former Arsenal goalkeeper has had a rough few years in English football after being frozen out of Mikel Arteta's starting lineup and a relegation with Southampton last year.

However, a loan move to Newcastle this year has seemed to have given Ramsdale that confidence back that was once there and is looking to be on the plane to the World Cup this summer.

He has started in all cup competitions so far this season and seven of the 21 matches so far in the Premier League. Nick Pope did sustain and injury but has also been very poor for The Toon Army and Ramsdale has been a serviceable replacement in his appearances so far.

There is no doubt that there is a mistake in him from time to time and if you may remember in the past he said he has "difficulty concentrating" for the full 90 minutes which did not impress fans at the time.

Why For England?

Okay it is understandable that this is quite an outlandish shout. Ramsdale hasn't set the world alight this season, but he has been decent enough for Newcastle.

But as a third string keeper for the World Cup, what could possibly go wrong?

Saturday proved that above all, Ramsdale is a brilliant penalty shot stopper and can compose himself in high pressure moments to make important saves.

What also sets Ramsdale aside from other goalkeepers is his expressive personality. Like England number one Jordan Pickford, Ramsdale likes to give the opposition some noise and likes to play off of the noise from the crowd.

A goalkeeper that is confident at saving penalties in high pressure moments is all the more reason for Thomas Tuchel to take Ramsdale to the World Cup.

He is unlikely to play - but if it came to needing a keeper to save a penalty to win you the World Cup quarter final - Ramsdale can be a hero.

Also, shootouts don't last more than 90 minutes, so he won't get distracted along the way.

The Other English Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford - The loyal Everton goalkeeper is the consensus number one for England and Thomas Tuchel should have no worries in Pickford for the coming World Cup. Good with the ball at his feet, confident and a penalty master - Pickford all the way.

Dean Henderson - He has been England's number two for a while now and that won't be changing unless any injuries take their course. Henderson has been consistent for Crystal Palace ever since he joined from Manchester United in 2023. Eight clean sheets already this season for Henderson is also a brilliant return. He'll be on the plane.

James Trafford - You have to feel for Trafford who arrived at Manchester City last summer with the intention that he would be first choice keeper. However, Gianluigi Donnarumma arrival quickly squashed his chances of first team action. It's cup appearances only for Trafford, and that might not be enough for him to make the squad.

Nick Pope - Ahead of Ramsdale at Newcastle is Pope, who Newcastle fans have not been impressed with whatsoever this season. there have been a number of games where he has made mistakes, and he looks completely different to the Pope we had seen in previous seasons. If Ramsdale can reclaim that number one spot then Pope is unlikely to be on the plane.

The third goalkeeper spot is up for grabs for Ramsdale. Whether it's for his penalty saving masterclass or his performances the rest of the season, a spot at the World Cup is achievable. Saturday's win could be the beginning of a Ramsdale return...

Appreciation post for Aaron Ramsdale. It needs no explanation. 🖤 🤍#NUFC #fblifestyle pic.twitter.com/35QaAV3DhD

— Newcastle Supporters Worldwide (@SupportersNufc) January 10, 2026