Tuchel opens England goalkeeper contest as Trafford debuts against Spain
James Trafford made his competitive England debut in a 3-2 Nations League defeat to Spain, with Thomas Tuchel saying he and Jordan Pickford will get two consecutive matches each.
Thomas Tuchel used England's 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain on Saturday to hand James Trafford his competitive debut, signalling that Jordan Pickford's long hold on the number one shirt is no longer automatic. Tuchel said the Leeds goalkeeper and Pickford will each get two consecutive matches during this international break, describing the plan as a way to see how far Trafford has come.
Trafford, 23, impressed with the ball at his feet and made a save to deny Ferran Torres in the first half, but was beaten three times as England lost their opener to the world champions. Tuchel said Trafford deserved the opportunity after starting the Premier League season well and getting regular minutes as Leeds' number one, while stressing that Pickford had done nothing wrong.
The selection caps a winding route for Trafford, who came through Manchester City's academy, joined Burnley in 2023, lost his place during a difficult 2023-24 season, starred in Burnley's promotion campaign and returned to City before moving to Leeds for a deal worth up to £45m. He also won the U21 European Championship with England in 2023, saving a stoppage-time penalty against Spain in the final.
Pickford, 32, has 91 caps and 46 clean sheets for England and has been a fixture at major tournaments, but former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live that Pickford will be disappointed and will question why he is not facing the world champions. Ian Dennis said Pickford has never let England down and called the timing of the decision strange, suggesting matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia as alternative opportunities for Trafford.
Supporters responding to the debate were divided but largely supportive of testing Trafford now. James from Guildford argued Pickford had a mixed World Cup and that the time is right to try the Leeds keeper, while Mick from Kettering said Trafford deserves to start and should face top opposition rather than only weaker nations. Mick from Newcastle said Pickford has been quality for a decade but that the moment feels right to assess his successor.
Tuchel's approach contrasts with Gareth Southgate's tenure, when no natural rival emerged for Pickford and he started all but one of England's World Cup qualifiers before playing every game in the summer. Pickford remains first choice and his Premier League record since the start of the 2024-25 season is stronger overall, but this campaign the gap is small: Trafford has the higher save percentage and better passing accuracy, while Pickford has prevented more goals.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
