Jordan Pickford England place under James Trafford competition
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has rotated Jordan Pickford and James Trafford in recent Nations League matches.
Jordan Pickford remains England's first-choice goalkeeper, but James Trafford has played in recent internationals. BBC Sport reports on the competition for the number one spot ahead of matches against Croatia and Spain.
Key takeaways
- Thomas Tuchel used James Trafford and Jordan Pickford in the last international break
- England lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley before beating Czech Republic
- Pickford returned for the Wembley win against Czech Republic and the 7-0 win in Croatia
- Pickford has made two errors leading to goals in 93 England appearances
- Pickford has 46 clean sheets and a 74% save ratio
England head coach Thomas Tuchel used Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford and long-time first choice Jordan Pickford in the previous international break, BBC Sport reported. The decision sparked the first stirrings about preparations for life without Pickford, who remains England's number one pick.
Tuchel alternated keepers during that break, playing Trafford in the 3-2 loss to World Cup holders Spain at Wembley and then in the victory against the Czech Republic, before Pickford returned for the Wembley win against the Czechs and the 7-0 rout in Croatia.
Why it matters
Pickford's record is outstanding since he made his debut.
In his time as first choice, England have once more emerged as major players on the global stage, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and 2026, as well as Euros finals at the delayed 2020 tournament and Euro 2024.
Measured by Opta stats, Pickford has made only two errors leading to goals in 93 appearances, with 46 clean sheets and a 74% save ratio. Trafford's international career is in its infancy, but he has at least had the chance to stake his claim.
What happens next
England meet Croatia at Wembley before facing the biggest test of their Uefa Nations League campaign when they play Spain in Madrid.
Tuchel maintains strong faith in Pickford, but has suggested he may use a rotation system for the pair once more in the upcoming internationals, which will only increase scrutiny on England's goalkeeping position.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Sport that Pickford remains Tuchel's undisputed first choice, but believes the head coach's recent strategy is a sensible one, noting that England are often guilty of taking one goalkeeper to a tournament who has 70, 80, or 90 caps while the two or three below him could have less than double figures combined.
Jordan Pickford England statistics
Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
England appearances | 93 |
Errors leading to goals | 2 |
Clean sheets | 46 |
Save ratio | 74% |
Major tournament appearances | 33 |
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