Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel sprung a surprise when he picked James Trafford for England against Spain, but the Three Lions boss should turn back to Jordan Pickford for tomorrow night’s game against Czechia.
Trafford got the nod on Saturday evening as Spain came to Wembley to play England in the first Nations League match.
England lost the game 3-2 and following the match, there has been some discussion about the goalkeeper position.
There is no doubt that Trafford is a great keeper who has started the 2026/27 season very well with Leeds United after leaving Manchester City.
But Pickford ought to now come back into the starting XI against Czechia.
Jordan Pickford should replace James Trafford vs Czechia
Trafford was not particularly at fault for any of the goals that Spain scored on Saturday. He perhaps might have got a hand to the strike by Alex Baena for Spain’s second, but it was a good finish.
Ultimately, England want to win the Nations League and Pickford has rarely let England down.
The Everton number one still has plenty of critics, but he remains dependable for his country, and data highlighted the great World Cup he had.
There is also the stat doing the rounds on social media that Pickford has never conceded three goals in a game for England before. Both Nick Pope and now Trafford have.
It is good that Tuchel has now created a rivalry for the number one position. Ideally, it will see both players raising their games, trying to be the regular starter, which can only be good for England.
But Pickford is still at the very top of his game.
Jordan Pickford England record
Appearances – 91
Clean sheets – 47
Goals conceded – 62
Wins – 58
Draws – 18
Losses – 15
Already this season, he has won the Premier League Save of the Month award for August, and his save percentage is only ever so slightly lower than Trafford’s.
With England now on the back foot after the Spain loss, it’s important for Tuchel to call on the players who are proven in the Three Lions shirt, which Pickford most definitely is. There is also the notion of Pickford’s leadership being required more behind a relatively youthful backline now.
Trafford’s time will come. But for the moment, Pickford is still the top dog and England need his experience.