# Pickford vs Trafford: England's number one battle

> Tuchel gives James Trafford his first competitive England start as Jordan Pickford faces his toughest test yet.
- Title: Pickford vs Trafford: England's number one battle · BBC Sport
- Summary: Tuchel gives James Trafford his first competitive England start as Jordan Pickford faces his toughest test yet. James Trafford earns first competitive…
- Keywords: james trafford, jordan pickford, england, nations league, tuchel, leeds, everton, england football, world cup, seahawks, nfl, sports
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckm2qqpjv7nro
- Published: 2026-09-26T23:06:07.121+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: james trafford, jordan pickford, england, nations league, tuchel, leeds, everton, england football, world cup, seahawks, nfl, sports
## England's number one battle
James Trafford made his competitive debut for England in Saturday's Nations League loss to Spain after Tuchel signed him for two matches.

> 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.
## Trafford's rise
Trafford impressed with a save against Ferran Torres in Spain but conceded three goals as England lost.

> 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?
## Trafford's journey
Trafford joined Leeds for up to £45m after a frustrating season at Manchester City where he was second choice.

> Zeb, Stanstead: Jordan Pickford is paying the price for those mistakes creeping in during the World Cup. Could he have stopped the goals v Croatia, DR Congo and Fernandez v Argentina? Prime Pickford does.
## Pickford's record
Pickford has 91 England caps and saved four of 14 penalties in major tournament shootouts.

> Ian Dennis: Jordan Pickford has never let England down.
## The battle intensifies
Tuchel says Trafford deserves two matches to prove he can be England's number one.

> Tuchel: I think he deserved to get the two matches, that's why we gave him two matches.
## Trafford's potential
Trafford has kept two clean sheets for Leeds and has a higher save percentage than Pickford this season.

> Mick, Newcastle: James Trafford deserves his shot! Jordan Pickford has been quality for 10 years! Time feels right to test who could be next.
## The decision
Tuchel's move to test Trafford comes after Pickford's World Cup performance was questioned.

> Paul Robinson: I think Jordan Pickford will be very disappointed.
## Key takeaway

James Trafford earns first competitive England start after Tuchel's decision to test him against Spain.