The Leeds United goalkeeper could get another start this week in the Nations League
James Trafford and Jordan Pickford talk during the warm up before the UEFA Nations League match between Croatia and England at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 3, 2026
James Trafford and Jordan Pickford talk during the warm up before the UEFA Nations League match between Croatia and England at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 3, 2026(Image: Michael Regan - The FA via Getty Images)
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Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford could be set for another chance to put pressure on the England number one position this week with a start against either Croatia or Spain.
The Leeds shot-stopper was handed an opportunity in the last international break by playing in the first two games of the Nations League, featuring against Spain and Czechia, before handing the position back to Everton's Jordan Pickford for the game against Croatia and the return fixture at home to Czechia.
The international team have met up again this week with the final Group C games coming up at home to Croatia on Thursday, followed by away in Spain on Sunday evening. England boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Pickford remains his number one, but has also conceded there is greater pressure and competition now for the number one jersey, with Trafford potentially being given a chance to start again this week.
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It could become a throwback to the days of Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence when the two keepers shared the England jersey throughout most of their international careers.
Pickford has 93 caps and wants to stay as England No1 but Trafford is now applying genuine pressure. There is no doubt there is a feeling Trafford has the potential to be first choice in time for Euro 2028. Pickford did not drop clangers in the World Cup but probably did not have his best tournament with question marks over a couple of goals.
When asked whether Pickford is still his No1, Tuchel said: “No, he is. But nothing has changed. The competition is on there as well. Like for the outfield players. And Traff gets regular starts now, that's what we wanted.
“James Trafford did well. They shared the matches last time. I'm not sure what we will do. There's an opportunity that we maybe do this again. I have to speak with our goalkeeper coach. But the goalkeepers, they are a bit of an unit for themselves, and rightly so."
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Given he has played against Spain and Czechia, if Trafford is to play this week then Thursday's game against Crotia would make the most sense, as both keepers would then have played against all three other teams in the group. It would seem strange if Pickford is his number one, for the goalkeeper to miss out on both games against the World Cup winners.
Tuchel insists that Pickford was “surprisingly” understanding about sharing keeper duties in the Nations League last time. The England boss also believes it is vital that Trafford gets proper game time and exposure but surely if there is no debate then Pickford’s status is unchallenged.
Tuchel said: “Yes it's slightly different, but when do I have a chance to see another goalkeeper, if not in Nations League? If not in high pressure matches?
“So we had James against Spain, we asked ourselves is this fair for James Trafford to straightaway go against Spain, but I think it's exactly what we need. Because what happens if Jordan Pickford is injured? What happens if he's not available? So it's better to test it.
“Jordan knows about this. We want to use the Nations League for exactly that. But at the moment, nothing has changed. At the moment, he's the number one. And he just feels a bit of competition. Which is good for him.
James Trafford of Leeds United saves a shot
James Trafford of Leeds United saves a shot(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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"Surprisingly.... I was very impressed and a bit surprised by Jordan’s reaction when we spoke to him. I thought he'd be less of a fan than he proved to be. Because he said he totally understands it. Listen, they all want to get their caps.
“The goalkeepers know: if I'm out, I'm out. I have almost no chance to come in. As an outfield player you can accept it a little bit better because after 60 minutes you still have a chance to get your cap.
"Which you can't as a goalkeeper. But he impressed me a lot last time. We spoke to him, it was a very short conversation. It was very positive. He said 'yeah, let's do this, Traff deserves it, and I will push him'.
“And he didn't change at all. If he changed, he changed even to the positive, he pushed Traff, he gave him a good feeling. So very impressive, he did it very well.”
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