Pickford or Trafford? England goalkeeper battle ignites after Spain defeat

Tuchel signals change in England goalkeeping pecking order

You have to go back 10 years to find a major tournament where Jordan Pickford was not starting in goal for England. The Everton goalkeeper has pretty much been England's number one since making his debut in 2017 — until now.

Saturday's 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain saw Leeds' James Trafford make his competitive debut for the Three Lions as manager Thomas Tuchel signalled the battle to be number one is on.

Pickford became England's highest appearance maker at World Cups, overtaking Peter Shilton when he started in England's 2026 quarter-final win over Norway. During Gareth Southgate's tenure there was not a natural goalkeeper to rival Pickford, and that looked to continue under Tuchel as Pickford started all but one of England's World Cup qualifiers and then every game in the summer.

Why Trafford got the nod against Spain

But it looks as though Pickford has finally got a rival in Trafford, with Tuchel saying that the pair get "two consecutive matches each" during this international break.

Trafford has impressed since making his move to Leeds for a deal worth up to £45m. Against Spain, the 23-year-old showed his quality with the ball at his feet and made an impressive save to deny Ferran Torres in the first half. But he was beaten three times as England lost their Nations League opener to the world champions.

"I think he deserved to get the two matches, that's why we gave him two matches," Tuchel said. "He started the Premier League season well and gets minutes as number one at Leeds. "Jordan [Pickford] did absolutely nothing wrong but we wanted to use this competition to see how far actually James is."

Trafford's route to contention

Trafford's form this season has helped Leeds to fifth in the Premier League table. He has kept two clean sheets and now has his chance to stake his claim as England's future number one over two matches.

Trafford had only played 32 top-flight games before moving to Leeds following time at Burnley and Manchester City. He came through City's academy and joined Burnley for an initial fee of £15m in the summer of 2023. However, he conceded 67 goals in only 28 matches before losing his place towards the end of the 2023-24 season.

But after starring in Burnley's successful promotion in 2024-25 and the Clarets conceding just 16 goals, Trafford returned to City for £27m last summer with the hope of being Pep Guardiola's number one. City brought in one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Donnarumma, just four weeks after Trafford's arrival and he became second choice.

Despite it being a frustrating campaign, Trafford did get vital experience and started both the FA Cup final and Carabao Cup final for City before his move to Leeds. He has been part of England success too, winning the U21 European Championship in 2023 and saving a stoppage-time penalty as Lee Carsley's side beat Spain in the final.

Pickford's record under threat

Pickford has kept 46 clean sheets in his 91 appearances for England and has been a huge part of the Three Lions' recent success at major tournaments.

Pickford is in current possession of the number one shirt and played every minute of the World Cup until he was rested for England's third-place play-off win over France, with Dean Henderson starting. The 32-year-old, who will be 34 at Euro 2028, has 91 England caps and has saved four of the 14 penalties he has faced in major tournament shootouts.

In the Premier League Pickford's overall numbers dwarf Trafford's. Since the start of the 2024-25 season no-one has prevented more expected goals than the Everton stopper. But there is very little between the two this campaign with Pickford preventing more goals but Trafford having a higher save percentage and better passing accuracy.

Fans react to goalkeeper decision

Supporters are divided on Tuchel's decision to start Trafford against the world champions.

James, Guildford: "Pickford has been fantastic for England but he didn't have the best World Cup, with a couple conceded that arguably he should've saved and a few nervy moments playing out from the back. Now seems as good a time as any to try James Trafford."

Mick, Kettering: "James Trafford deserves to start, he's going to be England's next number one and why not start him against Spain or would you rather he only played against third-rate nations?"

Thomas Tuchel showing his ruthless side again.