**Ahead of tonight’s big decider game in the Nations League, Thomas Tuchel has already made up his mind that it will be James Trafford between the sticks, and not Jordan Pickford. This is despite the Leeds Utd keeper letting in three goals the last time he faced Spain. Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner are both expected to be on the substitutes bench.**
It’s a strange decision considering Tuchel claims that “This will be proof of concept on the highest level. It’s the biggest test in world football. Spain are unbelievable on an incredible run.
“Spain won the last big titles. We are trying to take it away from them. We are up for it. We are in a good moment to push our limits. We are up for something spectacular.”
Spain are unbeaten and lead the Group 3 table ahead of England thanks to that 3-2 win at Wembley, where they came from behind with superior football to defeat England after Harry Kane failed ot convert a penalty that would have given the Three Lions a 3-1 lead.
Declan Rice voices what all the players who are picked must be feeling: “It’s the sort of game that brings out the best in us. We want to play against the best teams and the best players. It will show where we are as a group. We’re going to see where England are at.” Which must make it all the more galling for Pickford, who will have to sit this one out.
Spain are unbeaten at home in 20 games — winning 15 and drawing 5 — so it will be a real test if England have moved forward since the World Cup, when Tuchel was heavily criticised for his negative approach in the 2-1 loss to Argentina that cost them a place in the World Cup Final, especially after Anthony Gordon put England ahead.
**_Read more — [Nigel Martyn backs Jordan Pickford for another five or six years as England No.1 despite Trafford competition](https://www.toffeeweb.com/podcasts/nigel-martyn-backs-jordan-pickford-for-another-five-or-six-years-as-england-no-1-despite-trafford-competition/)_**