Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel surprised one or two people last night by starting James Trafford against Spain for England, with Jordan Pickford on the bench.
England lost their Nations League opener to the world champions 3-2 at Wembley, letting slip a 2-1 lead.
England fell behind to an early goal by Lamine Yamal, before Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane got the Three Lions in front. But Alex Baena and then Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain to hand them the win.
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There were no minutes for Jordan Pickford last night as James Trafford lined up between the sticks.
Thomas Tuchel said afterwards that Trafford and Pickford will play two games each over this international break, but there is one clear positive of the situation for Pickford – and Everton.
James Trafford competition is healthy for Jordan Pickford and Everton
Few had really expected Trafford to start last night, given Pickford’s long-standing status as the Three Lions’ number one.
But clearly Tuchel is ready to start looking beyond Pickford, and Trafford has admittedly started the new season well. Trafford is the only goalkeeper with a higher save percentage than Pickford in the Premier League at the moment, so it’s hard to argue against him getting minutes for England in this international break.
Not taking into account the third-placed play-off game against France at the World Cup, this was the first time Pickford hadn’t started a competitive game for England since the Nations League match against Germany back in September. Pickford missed out with a thigh injury.
Seemingly, there is now genuine competition for the number one jersey, which we have not seen for many years.
Pickford – who recently earned his 100th Premier League clean sheet – has rarely let England down, but he now finds himself with a rival for the first time for his country – but this actually could be good for Everton.
As well as obviously wanting to do his best for the Toffees and help the team mount a European challenge, there is now additional motivation for Pickford with Trafford being his competition for the England number one jersey.
Jordan Pickford England record
Appearances – 91
Clean sheets – 47
Goals conceded – 62
Wins – 58
Draws – 18
Losses – 15
Tuchel showing that he is ready to start picking Trafford for competitive games will, in theory, see Pickford raise his game for Everton, as he tries to keep his nose in front. Not that he would have been coasting before, but now there looks to be a threat to his place, and that will force him to raise his game further.
It’s very possible this situation will lead to better performances at club level from Pickford as he bids to stave off Trafford.
Hopefully, this can lend itself to Everton picking up plenty of good results and ultimately making it into a European competition.