‘I think’ - Alan Shearer makes prediction regarding Leeds United’s James Trafford amid Jordan Pickford battle
England legend Alan Shearer has shared a prediction regarding a Leeds United star
Alan Shearer believes Leeds United’s James Trafford will England’s first-choice goalkeeper at Euro 2028.
Trafford made a £40m move from Manchester City to Leeds in the summer transfer window and is now enjoying regular football in the Premier League.
He has made a stellar start to life in West Yorkshire and is battling to dislodge Everton’s Jordan Pickford from the number one spot on the international scene.
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Alan Shearer makes James Trafford prediction
Pickford is holding on the gloves for now, but former England marksman Shearer thinks Trafford will have leapfrogged him by the time the next major tournament arrives.
Shearer told Betfair: “I think Trafford will be England’s number one come the Euros. Pickford's been brilliant for England and never let anyone down, but I think we're all expecting Trafford to be the number one at some stage.
“I guess Pickford is still performing, and still a huge part of what Tuchel wants to do going forward, but in 18 months’ time I'd be surprised if Trafford wasn't the number one.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s view
Trafford has made his desire to be England’s stopper of choice clear, but Pickford has spent the bulk of the last decade as the number one.
Leeds marksman Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as someone who played with Pickford at Everton before being joined by Trafford at Leeds, is well-positioned to assess the pair.
Earlier this week, he said: “I think we're fortunate now that we've got two exceptional goalkeepers. One thing that is true for both of them is they're very self-confident and confident in their ability, which is what I think you need from England's number one.
“I played with Pickers for nine years at Everton, so I've seen him grow and what a career he's had for England. I don't think that can be so quickly disregarded at all.
“But now I'm playing with James Trafford, who is a younger, confident, top, top goalkeeper, and I'm seeing his quality week in, week out now. I think it's something that should be appreciated by us as a nation.”