# James Trafford’s England dream burns with No 1 spot up for grabs

> Leeds keeper James Trafford eyes England start after No 1 spot returns after eight years
- Title: James Trafford’s England dream burns with No 1 spot up for…
- Summary: Leeds keeper James Trafford eyes England start after No 1 spot returns after eight years Trafford’s strong form at Leeds and recent England call-up signal a…
- Keywords: james trafford, leeds united, england, jordan pickford, nations league, manchester city, thomas tuchel, football, goalkeeper, seahawks, nfl, premier league
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/27/james-trafford-england-no-1-nations-league
- Published: 2026-09-27T18:00:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james trafford, leeds united, england, jordan pickford, nations league, manchester city, thomas tuchel, football, goalkeeper, seahawks, nfl, premier league
## Trafford’s England debut
James Trafford earned his third England cap against Spain with two key saves in the Nations League opener

> I won two trophies
## Trafford’s City exit
Trafford left Manchester City after a wasted year with Pep Guardiola replacing him with Donnarumma

> It was a season of frustration
## Leeds form surge
Trafford has 20 saves and 85.7% save rate in Premier League matches with Leeds

> No goalkeeper has more saves
## Pickford’s grip loosens
Jordan Pickford’s England status faces challenge after World Cup performance concerns

> It’s in the middle of the goal
## Tuchel’s decision
Thomas Tuchel named Trafford for Spain match after Pickford’s World Cup doubts

> Me and Picks are both northern lads
## Goalkeeping crisis
Few English goalkeepers available with Henderson injured and Ramsdale struggling

> It’s all an imaginary thing
## Trafford’s mindset
Trafford says his ability doesn’t change with England call-ups but his confidence grows

> It’s how you carry yourself
## England’s No 1 spot
Trafford’s England debut comes after eight years without a No 1 spot up for grabs

> It is every goalkeeper’s dream
## Key takeaway

Trafford’s strong form at Leeds and recent England call-up signal a potential shift in England’s goalkeeping hierarchy