Former Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin has given his view on the battle between England goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and James Trafford
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jordan Pickford
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jordan Pickford (Image: (Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin refused to dethrone Jordan Pickford as England No.1 - even though he believes James Trafford possesses the mental attributes to replace the Everton star. For the first time in eight years, Pickford has serious competition for his England spot, with Trafford having already warned him he is coming for his No.1 shirt.
Pickford has played a key role in every tournament since but found himself in the unusual position of watching from the bench at the start of England’s first meet-up since the World Cup earlier this season. And Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel has already told the Everton goalkeeper that he can expect split gametime with Trafford for the Nations League games this month.
Calvert-Lewin currently plays with Trafford at Elland Road, but he spent a huge chunk of his career working with Pickford at Everton.
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And when asked about the battle between the pair, he said: “I think we're fortunate now that we've got two exceptional goalkeepers. One thing that is true for both of them is they're very self-confident and confident in their ability, which is what I think you need from England's number one.
“I played with Pickers for nine years at Everton, so I've seen him grow and what a career he's had for England. I don't think that can be so quickly disregarded at all.
“But now I'm playing with James Trafford, who is a younger, confident, top, top goalkeeper, and I'm seeing his quality week in, week out now. I think it's something that should be appreciated by us as a nation.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Trafford on England duty
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Trafford on England duty(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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“We're very quick to kind of pit players against each other when there's all of a sudden competition for places, but instead of appreciating the fact that we've got strength in depth, and strength in depth is what you need in order to win tournaments.”
On Trafford, the forward added: “When he has played, he's been top, and he's continued that coming to Leeds. I think he's been a fantastic addition for us and exactly what we needed.
“You just get that feeling when you see someone up close, and I see him on a match day; he's got all the qualities that are needed to be a top, top goalie for me.”
Asked if Pickford was no longer number one, Tuchel revealed earlier this week: “No, he is. But nothing has changed. The competition is on there as well, like for the outfield players.
Jordan Pickford talks to Thomas Tuchel
Jordan Pickford talks to Thomas Tuchel(Image: (Robin Jones/Getty Images))
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“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 a unit for themselves, and rightly so.”
Tuchel has two more Nations League matches to round off a hectic year, with Thursday’s Wembley clash against Croatia followed by a trip to World Cup winners Spain on Sunday.
“It’s slightly different (to outfield players), but when do I have a chance to see another goalkeeper, if not in Nations League? If not in high-pressure matches?” the head coach asked.
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“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. That we want to use Nations League for exactly that.
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“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.”
Everton boss David Moyes