‘Matter of time’ - Alan Shearer & ex-England goalkeeper back Leeds United’s James Trafford to end Jordan Pickford reign
The Leeds United goalkeeper harbours ambitions to be England’s future No.1.
Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford has been backed to become England No.1 in time for the next major tournament.
Trafford has become a serious contender to replace long-standing first-choice Jordan Pickford since his £40million summer move to Leeds. The 24-year-old has played every Premier League game this season and kept an impressive four clean sheets as part of the division’s third-strongest defence.
Pickford remains first-choice for England, as evidenced by manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to start him against Croatia on Thursday, but at 32 the goalkeeper is coming towards the end of his peak years. Former striker Alan Shearer expects a change of the guard before the European Championships in 2028.
“I think Trafford will be England’s number one come the Euros,” former Newcastle United star Shearer told Betfair. “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 month’s time I'd be surprised if Trafford wasn't the number one.”
Trafford has been outstanding since joining Leeds from Manchester City in the summer, barring one mistake against Bournemouth earlier this month. The England hopeful has almost single-handedly won his new club points with some brilliant saves, while also proving confident and capable in possession.
The club-record Leeds arrival has been backed by a former England star in his position too, with 53-cap England goalkeeper David James also predicting an end to Pickford’s decade-long reign as No.1. Trafford is believed to have earned the trust of Tuchel with recent performances.
“I just think it's a matter of time,” James told the YEP via LiveFootballTickets. “There's this paradox in football with Jordan: you have to play well to get recognised by England, and then once you get into the England team, you only have to play well for England.
“I'm not saying Jordan hasn't been playing well for his club, but I would argue that this season James Trafford has started better than Jordan. The key part in what happens long-term is whether James is capable of continuing those performances for England.
“He has played for England and played very well. Thomas Tuchel will trust him, and there will be opportunities, possibly during this international break, for him to start again. If that happens and he plays well, then soon we're moving towards the finals.
“They're both capable. Absolutely capable. They're both extremely good at most things. Like any individual, there are always going to be stronger elements of their game than others.”