England v Spain - UEFA Nations League 2026/27 Group A3 MD1
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: James Trafford of England warms up before the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between England and Spain at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Neither of the two Leeds United players included in the England squad played any minutes during the 7-0 win against Croatia.
As expected, James Trafford dropped out of the starting XI for Jordan Pickford. The Everton ‘keeper is also set to play against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Despite England’s dominance in the game, Dominic Calvert-Lewin remained an unused substitute. Even when Harry Kane was subbed off in the 70th minute.
However, Trafford’s chances of regular England selection seemingly remain unscathed, despite Pickford keeping a clean sheet.
Jordan Pickford had a couple of shaky moments v Croatia
We know in this international break, Thomas Tuchel is splitting the games evenly between Trafford and Pickford as the pair battle it out to become England’s number one for Euro 2028.
Against Spain, Trafford made a couple of good saves despite England losing 2-3. Against the Czech Republic, Trafford had a much quieter evening, but kept a clean sheet.
Despite Trafford giving a solid account of himself over both appearances, he came under a lot of criticism from Everton supporters on social media. They nitpicked everything Trafford did, claiming Pickford would’ve done better whenever they could.
However, against Croatia, Pickford himself had a couple of shaky moments.
With the game at 3-0 to England, Mateo Kovacic missed an absolute sitter on the brink of half-time to get Croatia somewhat back into the game.
This came after the midfielder rounded Pickford. The 32-year-old went to ground far too easily as he completley fell for Kovacic’s feint.
Just after the hour mark as well, Pickford completley shanked a clearance, which would’ve given England a perfect opportunity to counter.
His wayward kick didn’t even reach the halfway line. Croatia then picked up the loose ball and ended up in a threatening position on the edge of England’s box as a result.
Thankfully for England, and more importantly, Pickford, Croatia didn’t end up scoring as a result.
Fine margins may be all that separates James Trafford and Jordan Pickford
Considering England ended up winning 7-0, some may claim that this criticism of Pickford is harsh.
However, when Trafford didn’t really put a foot wrong in his two games, these shaky moments from Pickford will surely stick in Tuchel’s mind, as the fine margins are all that currently separate the two ‘keepers.
Given how harshly Everton supporters were criticising Trafford, it’s only fair that every action Pickford does as well this international break gets overanalysed by the watching audience.
Of course Pickford still has the game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, which will either strengthen or weaken his case to remain as England’s number one, depending on how he performs.
But for Trafford, his England hopes remain unscathed. Pickford has not done anything that decisively proves he should be back in the starting XI regularly so far.
If anything, against Croatia, his couple of dodgy moments mean he has an even bigger point to prove against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.