Everton star Jordan Pickford in action for England, Thomas Tuchel in inset
Everton star Jordan Pickford in action for England, Thomas Tuchel in inset
Pickford, 32, will miss the chance to earn his 95th cap in England's last game of 2026 when they take on the World Cup winners at Atletico Madrid's Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
The Everton number one started on Thursday as the Three Lions beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley
Although he had a relatively solid game against the 2018 World Cup runners-up, Pickford conceded due to a defensive error by Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah.
It wasn't by any means Pickford's fault, but the ex-Sunderland goalkeeper is now being left out of Tuchel's starting line-up for a decisive game against Spain on Sunday.
And Tuchel's also confirmed who'll be replacing Pickford in between the sticks this weekend.
Thomas Tuchel confirms England goalkeeper decision vs Spain
As reported by multiple journalists, Tuchel has revealed that he won't be starting Pickford versus Spain.
Instead, Leeds goalkeeper James Trafford will get the nod to start in goals, with the 24-year-old set to pick up his fifth cap for the Three Lions.
Although Trafford started the season well for Leeds, he's made a couple of mistakes in recent weeks.
In his last appearance for England, he kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Czechia.
Before that, he conceded three times in a 3-2 loss to Spain at Wembley.
If England beat Spain on Sunday, they will finish top of their Nations League group, ahead of the reigning world champions, to end what has been a solid 2026 on a high.
Is Jordan Pickford's time as England goalkeeper coming to an end?
Everton fans don't need to be told how good Pickford is, but a lot of neutrals have mixed opinions on the Blues shot-stopper.
Regardless, he's close to his 100th cap for England and there's no denying that he's been the country's most successful goalkeeper since the legendary Gordon Banks.
But at the age of 32, it would be foolish for Tuchel to not think about a potential succession plan.
At the very least, Tuchel is showing Pickford that he has to perform well to keep the number one shirt and he isn't guaranteed a spot in his starting line-up for every game.
That's good for Pickford, good for Trafford, good for Everton and good for England.