AFC Wimbledon pride in one man representing England at Euro 2024 might be replicated again soon: View | OneFootball

AFC Wimbledon have played a huge role in Aaron Ramsdale's rise to being an international, and Spike Brits could be another former Don doing the same

Highlights

England's goalkeeping department certainly is a strong area of the Euro 2024 squad, with three Premier League keepers taking the three spots allocated for the position.

Within those three is Aaron Ramsdale, who, not too long ago, was not experiencing the delights of major tournaments with his country, and instead had just become a hero for AFC Wimbledon following a six-month loan spell.

The keeper, who has received five caps to date, joined the Dons in the midst of their 'Great Escape' season, and played a huge role in the club staying in League One that season.

The move to the Dons arguably was the making of Ramsdale, and proves that current goalkeeping coach Ashley Bayes has a knack for tutoring excellent goalkeepers, and soon, England could have another 'AFC Wimbledon-made' keeper on their hands with Spike Brits.

Aaron Ramsdale: Wimbledon history and pride of the fans

The now-Arsenal keeper joined the Dons from Bournemouth on loan in the 2018/19 season.

He arrived at a time when the Dons did not have a recognised number one goalkeeper, with loanee Tom King back at parent club Millwall, and reserve choices Joe McDonnell and Nik Tzanev not ready for the rigours of League One football.

He was deployed immediately into the first team upon arrival too, making his debut in the Dons' third round FA Cup tie against Fleetwood Town, and despite conceding twice in a 3-2 win, the Stoke-born keeper impressed with multiple saves being made at crucial points in the match.

It would not be long until the Englishman was again in some FA Cup heroics, this time helping the Dons beat Premier League side West Ham United 4-2.

In the league, Ramsdale was just as vital, as he made 20 appearances in his six-month spell. During that time, he would play a big part in a spell that Dons fans have labelled 'The Great Escape', where the Dons would finish 20th, despite being bottom and 10 points from safety as late as February of the 18/19 season.

Facing that huge point deficit, the Dons would put together a run of matches that lasted until the end of the season that would see them only lose four times across 17 matches, with the club winning seven and drawing six. During those positive results, Ramsdale would keep seven clean sheets, but it was his heroics against Luton Town that would bring his name to the attention of many.

With the Hatters screaming toward promotion that season, the Dons were faced with a daunting task when they visited Kenilworth Road late in April 2019. However, they would take the fight to Luton, and twice fought back to gain a 2-2 draw on their visit. Ramsdale's contribution to this result was an outstanding performance in between the sticks, making amazing saves which included an unbelievable stop from a Graeme Shinnie shot.

Upon helping the Dons finish in 20th at the end of the 18/19 season, the keeper was awarded the club's Young Player of the Season award and, a year later, would be inducted into the club's Team of the Decade, having enamoured himself to fans throughout this highly successful loan spell for both player and club.

Since making his Premier League bow with Bournemouth, as well as his subsequent moves to both Sheffield United and Arsenal, as well as making his debut for England in 2022, Dons fans have continued to support a player they consider a legend at the club.

Now with his continued inclusion in Gareth Southgate's squads, Wimbledon supporters have felt nothing but pride for a player they feel they helped craft into the player he is today.

Spike Brits: England's future, made in Wimbledon

While never having played for Wimbledon's first team, Spike Brits is definitely going to be remembered by many Dons fans, and will, if he does go on and represent England, be supported and lauded by all supporters, like Ramsdale.

Brits joined the club aged six and would impress for a number of Wimbledon's academy teams. However, it was his appearances for Wimbledon's under-18s that would peak the interest of England, and lead to him getting a call-up to the England U16 camp in 2022.

He would go on to help England Under-16s win the Montaigu Mondial tournament in 2023 and add his name to an ever-growing list of youth internationals that have been produced by AFC Wimbledon.

All of his impressive achievements earned him a move to Manchester City last summer, with his departure landing the Dons a record fee received for an academy player.

While Dons fans never quite got to see Brits' talents, the fact he has been snapped up by the reigning Premier League champions tells you all you need to know about his talents.

It is clear that the Cityzens see him as a top goalkeeping prospect and an extraordinary talent at such a young age, and if his progression is anything like Ramsdale's over the next few years, it will not be long before he is knocking on the door of the international squad and providing AFC Wimbledon with their first full English international.

The pride that Wimbledon, and goalkeeping coach Ashley Bayes, must feel with Ramsdale's consistent inclusion in senior squads, and Brits' rapid progression through the youth ranks, must be extreme. Dons fans too should feel a sense of huge pride when, in years to come, they are able to boast that they played a vital role in creating England's goalkeeping future.