James Trafford is England's long-term future No1, reckons David James (Image: PA)
James Trafford is England's long-term future No1, reckons David James (Image: PA)
Former England goalkeeper David James says Cumbrian James Trafford can be the Three Lions’ No1 for a decade.
Trafford, from Greysouthen, joined Leeds United this summer as he bids to establish himself as a top Premier League keeper.
James, who himself won 53 caps for England, feels the 23-year-old has all the attributes to star for both club and country over a long period as the eventual successor to current national team No1 Jordan Pickford.
“Leeds have got an amazing goalkeeper on their hands in James Trafford,” James said of the former Carlisle United academy player.
“He could be their goalkeeper for the next decade, and he started off his Leeds career with a clean sheet, so it doesn’t get better than that.
“I also think he will be England’s goalkeeper for the next ten years as well, he’s that good.”
Trafford, who has two England caps, left Manchester City this summer to become Leeds’ new No1.
He has kept clean sheets in his first two outings – both victories against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and League Cup. He will return to action in the league against Brentford today.
David James, the former England keeper, rates James Trafford highly
His move to Elland Road followed a campaign with City that saw Trafford win the FA Cup and League Cup, after he lost his place in the league XI to Gianluigi Donnarumma.
James, speaking via LiveFootballTickets, added: “Of all the outgoings at Man City this summer, Trafford was the most disappointing to me.
“He had an unfortunate season last year with City signing Donnarumma after they re-signed him, but Leeds have a top keeper on their hands.
“He was brilliant for City in the League Cup final, he possesses a level of calmness which will spread through the team at Leeds.
“Trafford is also privileged enough to have experienced almost everything in football. He has been relegated from the Premier League and promoted to it and been a part of lots of successful squads at Man City. He has battled in tough times, and he has won plenty, that’s invaluable experience to add to the Leeds squad.
“He’s a brilliant signing, worth every penny, and Trafford will be Leeds’ and England’s number one for many years to come.”