How Aaron Ramsdale's England call could affect Sheffield United's preparation | Southgate makes Dean Henderson admission

Aaron Ramsdale has been called up to the England U21 squad for their games against Kosovo and Austria - meaning he will miss Sheffield United's two remaining pre-season friendles ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale signs for Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/SportimageGoalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale signs for Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale signs for Sheffield United: Simon Bellis/Sportimage

The youngster, who recently completed a move back to Bramall Lane from AFC Bournemouth, has been named in Aidy Boothroyd's squad for next month's two UEFA U21 European Championship qualifiers.

Ramsdale and Co. face Kosovo on September 4, before taking on Austria on September 8.

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United conclude their pre-season plans by facing Derby on September 1, and Preston three days later.

Ramsdale's first game in his second spell was cut short on Tuesday, as the friendly in Dundee was abandoned at half-time due to inclement weather. So Ramsdale may face Wolves on the opening day of the season with just 45 minutes of action alongside his new teammates under his belt.

Meanwhile, England boss Gareth Southgate could give former Blades loanee Dean Henderson a first senior cap against Iceland or Denmark in next month's Nations League games.

Henderson joined Nick Pope and Jordan Pickford in Southgate's squad when it was named earlier this week, and Southgate said: “I think we have three decent goalkeepers.

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“In every position on the field we've got to have that competition. It’s ten months since we played. There have been fluctuations in form during that time.

“We’re looking forward to getting back and working with them and it is for them to go and claim the shirt.”

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