James Trafford of England
James Trafford of England(Image: Getty Images)
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James Trafford must ‘put it in his own head’ he is a credible challenger for Jordan Pickford’s for England shirt.
The 23-year-old has earned the third and fourth senior caps of his career in recent days, in the 3-2 loss to Spain and the 2-0 win over Czechia – which represented his first clean sheet at international level.
The Leeds United man did well in both games as Thomas Tuchel seems to be tinkering with his options between the sticks and trying to figure out whether he has realistic competition for long-term first choice Pickford.
And Whites favourite Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink reckons the former Manchester City man is just that.
Speaking exclusively to MrQ he said: “Jordan is not going to play forever for England, and Trafford is a lot younger. He has started ever so well at Leeds. He had a really difficult time at his two previous clubs.
“But now you can see that he's settled at Leeds, he's calmer, and he's making big saves.
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“It's looking like he's more ready than ever for the England No.1 spot.
“He just has to put it in his own head that he is already there. He has to push Jordan for that number one spot right now.
“Just keep on playing how he's playing and, when he is at England, show the manager that you're ready to go right now if he needs you. And that will only be good for Jordan as well. He will be better if he knows that somebody can push him.
“England have got Dean Henderson as well, who's doing really well at Crystal Palace. It's looking good for goalkeeper competition at England at the moment.”
With their own goalkeeping department in a state of flux, Leeds spent £40million to bring Pickford to Elland Road and the early signs are it’s been money well-spent.
Trafford has the highest save percentage in the Premier League so far, having stopped an impressive 18 of the 23 shots on target he has faced. That ratio of 87% is far better than second-placed Pickford who has 83.3%.
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