Ferdinand backs zero cap Villa man to make England World Cup squad

Jason Soutar
Rio Ferdinand

Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey deserves a place in the England squad at this year’s World Cup, according to Rio Ferdinand.

The 20-year-old progressed through the ranks at Aston Villa. He has been a regular for them over the past two seasons.


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Ramsey established himself last term but his performances have stepped up massively during the 2021/22 campaign.

The youngster has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season as he has grabbed six league goals.

When discussing who should start for England in Qatar, Ferdinand was sure to mention that Ramsey gets in his squad.

“You see my midfield, Declan [Rice], Jude [Bellingham] and [Phil] Foden dropping in,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five podcast (via HITC).

“Then two strikers. Free role to [Raheem] Sterling. He can go where he wants. [Harry] Kane holds the ball up and runs behind.

“Jacob Ramsey is in my squad as well. Emile Smith Rowe and [Bukayo] Saka. Look at my bench, it’s nuts.”

Ramsey made his England U21s debut last year and is yet to receive a call-up to the senior squad.

The Three Lions had a productive international break, beating Switzerland and the Ivory Coast at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are reportedly planning to smash their transfer record once again in the upcoming summer window.

Last summer, Villa smashed their transfer record by signing Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City for a reported £34m fee.

Leon Bailey and Danny Ings also moved to Villa Park for a combined £54m as the Midlands outfit looked to build on their 11th-place finish on 2020/21.

And the Villa hierarchy will put a lot of faith in Steven Gerrard by handing him a ‘massive’ summer transfer budget, as per Football Insider.

They are ‘likely’ to spend over £150m on new signings and are expected to smash their transfer record again.

There will be some ‘high-profile’ exits to free up squad space and reduce their wage bill.