'There were times' - Leeds United star James Trafford's latest England outing assessed by ex-Three Lions man
Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford’s recent England outing has been analysed by a former Three Lions forward
Jay Bothroyd felt Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford gave a good account of himself in England’s loss to Spain - despite some “shaky” moments.
Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel gave Trafford his third senior cap on Saturday (September 26) as England suffered a 3-2 Nations League defeat to the reigning World Cup champions.
With four fixtures in the calendar for the current international break, Trafford and regular number one Jordan Pickford will return to their respective clubs having each made two appearances.
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James Trafford performance assessed
On Sky Sports, former England international forward Bothroyd said: “It seemed like Spain were making two passes and they were through one-on-one with the ‘keeper.
“Trafford was good yesterday - he made some good saves. There were times when he looked a bit shaky with the ball at his feet but I think overall, he had a good performance.”
Trafford, who Leeds paid a club-record £40m to Manchester City for in the summer, has been widely tipped to dislodge Everton’s Pickford.
The battle to be England’s number one
Bothroyd still believes Pickford is the first-choice gloveman, but time is on the side of 23-year-old Trafford.
He said: “It’s still Pickford, but Trafford put a good account of himself in. Sometimes, he looked a bit shaky - especially when he takes the ball on to his left foot. He looks a bit nervous.
“But I thought he made some good saves at key times. I thought he put a good account of himself in but Pickford’s going to be number one. Pickford hasn’t really done anything wrong with England.
“I think what you have to do is, give some of these people the opportunity, so when they come into the first team, they don’t feel under pressure, like they have to perform or they’re not going to be in the squad anymore. No one likes to have that feeling.
“I feel like Tuchel giving Trafford the opportunity to go and play these two games is a good thing. He knows whatever happens in the last game, he’s going to play the next game. It lets him relax more, there’s no tension.”