Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford is in the England squad once again as he aims to take the No1 spot over stalwart Jordan Pickford.
United invested heavily in the goalkeeping department in the summer. Lucas Perri wasn’t cutting it, and Karl Darlow fancied the Old Trafford bench instead. So, Leeds broke our transfer record to bring in James Trafford.
Despite his most recent outing being one to forget against Bournemouth, the £40million outlay has definitely aged well.
Leeds United ‘keeper James Trafford wants England No1 spot as soon as possible
Trafford, 24, already has plenty of experience under his belt and a body of work behind him that justified United’s hefty outlay.
Such performances early in his career have many to regard him as England’s nailed-on next No1. Jordan Pickford, though, proves time and again that these conversations are water off a duck’s back. He’s seen the likes of Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale, and recently Dean Henderson push him without ever threatening his mantle.
However, Trafford being handed starts against Spain and Czechia in September outlined Thomas Tuchel’s willingness to experiment with his standout options.
The Leeds man himself is under no illusions either. His mission is obviously to become England’s outright first choice.
“It’s my aim and something I’ve always dreamed of becoming, and always believed one day that I could be,” Trafford told the BBC of his England No1 desires.
“Every day I try and keep improving to put myself in the position to be England’s No1 one day. Everyone in the goalie department in the national team all want to be the No1.
“Pickers [Pickford] has done amazing throughout his England career and every time he plays, he’s amazing. And Deano [Henderson] too, and everyone’s trying to become No1.
“It’s the same in every position. Everyone’s always pushing, and it’s the reality of playing for a top four nation in the world rankings. Competition is always going to be there and everyone knows the level you have to perform at.”
James Trafford will become England’s No1 – Leeds United move has guaranteed it
We can argue until the cows come home about Trafford’s current credentials to overtake Pickford. There’s genuine cause for that discussion with how Trafford has performed so far this season, but Pickford’s stature as one of England’s best ever means he deserves respect in that regard.
That being said, it’s a matter of when, not if, Trafford takes on the mantle. Pickford is still doing well this season in both an England and Everton shirt, but Leeds’ stopper is making a strong claim.
Of course, I’m fully aware this comes after his howler away at Bournemouth. However, Trafford has without doubt been one of the best ‘keepers in the Premier League this season.
With more time on his hands, Trafford can make Tuchel’s decision incredibly hard.
