Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford was given a run of two games for England, meaning Everton's Jordan Pickford dropped to the bench.
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Everton's number one Jordan Pickford found himself on the bench for two games in a row for England, something he's barely experienced since cementing himself as the main goalkeeper for his country.
Pickford has been a mainstay with England for many years now, playing a crucial role in helping them reach the latter stages of multiple competitions.
At the age of 32, Pickford isn't going anywhere just yet, but with Thomas Tuchel preparing for future tournaments, he opted to give Leeds' James Trafford a go between the sticks.
Trafford conceded three in his first start of the international break against Spain before keeping a clean sheet against Czechia.
It remains to be seen who is going to be between the sticks by the time Euro 2028 comes around. In reality, it's a pointless argument at this stage. Trafford could become the best goalkeeper in the world by then, while Pickford could fall off a cliff. In contrast, Trafford might not develop as expected, while Pickford could maintain his current levels.
There's plenty of time remaining until that tournament, and Tuchel wants to see where Trafford is at right now, understandably.
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Pickford on Trafford competition
Speaking on being dropped to the bench for England's first two games of the international break, Pickford believes it's something that has been good for him, and it's allowed him to take a step back and continue setting standards in training despite knowing he's not going to play.
That's not something Pickford is used to, but he's relishing being a leader for his country.
Pickford said: “It was good for me, because I want to see where I am at, and the manager said Traff is going to play two, I am going to play two and it's about me being a good teammate with good energy around the place on them two games, train well and set the standards in training and have that leadership role I feel like I have and just being there and being supportive.
“I think I have and I have done it really well over the two games. It's not normal for me but being a good teammate is the first and foremost the manager asks for you.”
Pickford suggests that he only wants what is best for England, and he’s been focusing on being a good team-mate to Trafford over the last couple of games and during training.
"You could have all the ability in the world, but you need to be a good teammate as well and I feel like I do that every time I am on camp. I'm passionate and all I want is I love watching playing and if I'm watching, I just want the best for England and that's to win and to bring that energy and I feel like I have dealt with it really well."
When Pickford was pushed more on being dropped to the bench, a reporter suggested that he surely didn’t like being second choice over those two games.
“No it was different. But I'd also say we've been together in a cycle now for two years and Deano played the third and fourth playoff against France and Traff has started really well for Leeds now and I think it's good for Traff to get a game.
"It's good for Deano to get the game as well because we've been together, and we've got a good unit around us a good set of lads.
“We've been together for two years, so Traff getting the minutes in a good competitive game and that's what the manager said he was doing- and you have got to respect that decision and it's now for me to go how can I break that ceiling again."
It appears that Pickford is using the Tuchel decision as motivation to continue going. There has been a lack of competition for Pickford with England over the last few years. Despite the media attempting to spin a narrative about Pickford and his understudies, it’s always just been him.
Having a player like Trafford enjoying a strong season with Leeds and playing regularly could be exactly what Pickford needs in order to ensure his levels don’t drop over the coming years. There’s no doubt the Everton goalkeeper will be desperate to be England’s number one for Euro 2028, and this could mean that he takes his game to another level for both club and country.
Many Evertonians will think that Pickford should be number one for England regardless, and it was a pointless exercise for Tuchel to bring Trafford in. But in reality, it could be a hugely positive decision from the England boss, and Everton could benefit immensely over the coming years.