Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford was handed another start for England against Spain in a thrilling Nations League encounter.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel reiterated his backing for Jordan Pickford as his number one at the start of this international break. However, he was quick to outline his encouragement for James Trafford’s progression too.
Pickford himself is keen on seeing Trafford grow into the future No1 too. So, handing him start against Spain is proof of how serious Tuchel is about integrating Trafford into that role.
Spain 2-3 England: Outrageous James Trafford performance clinches Three Lions win
England weren’t at all fazed by the prospect of playing the current European and World champions, with Trafford between the sticks tasked with keeping out the best winger on the planet, Lamine Yamal.
It was going incredibly well thanks to goals from Harry Kane (penalty), Ezri Konsa and former Leeds loanee Ben White. England were cutting through the Spanish, and Trafford had nothing of note to do other than play out from the back
However, a mistake from Jarrel Quansah gifted Yamal a 1v1. He was, though, denied by a pull from Elliot Anderson in the penalty area, and the Man City midfielder was given a straight red card with a penalty awarded. Mikel Oyarzabal sent Trafford the wrong way to reduce the deficit.
Not long after, another cheap giveaway saw Nico Williams break clear and score a second with Trafford helpless.
The Spain onslaught continued, but Trafford stood firm in the second half. A couple of smart saves, including a deflected cross that wrong-footed him, were topped by a simply outstanding piece of goalkeeping late on.
Fermin Lopez stabbed an effort goal-bound from 10 yards, and it was beaten away by Trafford. However, he could only parry into the path of Aymeric Laporte, who would have thought he’d scored when his rebound looked certain for the bottom corner, only for a stunning Trafford save to tip it around the corner.
“Outstanding” was the word used by ITV commentator Sam Matterface, and rightly so.
After full-time, Declan Rice was wowed by the saves on display from Trafford behind him late on. He dubbed the Leeds man’s contribution as “massive”.
England’s Number 1? Leeds United’s James Trafford makes a convincing case for top spot
It was already a pretty noisy debate going into this break about who is England’s No1. Tuchel tried to quell that chatter by backing Pickford. And that’s totally fair, given what the Everton man has done for his country. He’s barely ever put a foot wrong.
That being said, it’s impossible to ignore Trafford’s brilliance and growing reputation in the role for Leeds and England.
It’s early days, but such a performance at the home of the World champions is only going to make these arguments even louder.
This is a good, healthy problem for Tuchel to have, mind you. Trafford is staking his claim and then some.
