Thomas Tuchel hopes Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford can ‘prove a point’ when he starts ahead of Jordan Pickford for a second consecutive England game.
England face Czechia in Prague tonight for their second Nations League game of the international break. The Three Lions lost 3-2 at home to world champions Spain on Saturday with Trafford a somewhat surprising selection in goal.
Tuchel revealed on the night his plan to start the club-record £40million Leeds signing in two of England’s four games, the second being tonight. Long-term first-choice Pickford will then return against Croatia and Czechia at home.
James Trafford made some good saves against Spain but conceded three goals.placeholder image
James Trafford made some good saves against Spain but conceded three goals.
Speaking after full-time on Saturday Tuchel insisted that Trafford deserved his spot for two games and was ‘convinced’ it would help him settle into the England camp. The Three Lions boss was given a chance to speak on the debate again ahead of Tuesday’s game in Prague.
“For me it was important he stays in goal, so he can use this experience with these players that he’s not played so much or maybe never played with,” Tuchel said. “They can use it together as a defensive unit, a defensive block.
“I’m glad he gets this experience. We just want to see who else is capable of producing performances for us, who else is ready for a challenge and ready to challenge Jordan Pickford, who did so well for us over so many years.
“Trafford got the chance now with two matches. Hopefully he can prove a point.”
Tuchel’s decision to start Trafford at all has ignited debate as to whether Pickford’s position as first-choice is under threat. The Everton shot-stopper has been England’s undisputed No.1 for the best part of a decade and been excellent throughout.
But he will be 34 when the 2028 European Championships come around and 36 by the next World Cup, with a long-term successor needed. Trafford moved to Leeds in the summer hoping that regular football would propel him into the England picture and looks to be benefitting from that decision already.