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James Trafford and Jordan Pickford are vying to start for England, and ahead of Thursday’s first game against Croatia, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has questioned the agenda involving the Leeds United stopper.
Calvert-Lewin and Trafford are in the England squad for a second time this season, as the Three Lions finish their Nations League group stage campaign with games at home to Croatia and away in Spain.
In the previous international break, Trafford started the first two of England’s four games before Pickford retained his no.1 spot for the next two. The duo continue to be compared and pitted against each other.
A major talking point in this England side at the moment is who will be the nation’s no.1 going into Euro 2028. Pickford remains first choice for England, but Trafford has got a whole lot closer since joining Leeds.
Speaking in England’s press conference this week, Calvert-Lewin praised both goalkeepers. He questioned why there needs to be a narrative regarding who’s first choice, rather than celebrating the quality of both.
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If you could pick three Leeds players from the Premier League era to put into Daniel Farke’s starting XI now, who would you choose and why?
“We’re fortunate that we have two exceptional goalkeepers. One thing that is true for both of them is that they are both confident in their own ability, which you need to be England’s no.1,” Calvert-Lewin said.
“I played with Pickers for nine years at Everton; what a career he has had for England,” he added. “I don’t think that can be disregarded quickly at all, but James Trafford is a young, confident, top goalkeeper.
“I’m seeing his quality week in week out. I think it’s something as a nation; we’re quick to pitch players against each other when there is competition for places, instead of appreciating the strength in depth
“Which is what you need to win tournaments. He won a trophy for City last year; he’s been top at Leeds, a fantastic addition and exactly what we needed. He has all the qualities you need to be a top goalkeeper.”
While Calvert-Lewin is right, England fans should enjoy that the nation has two brilliant goalkeepers; only one can be no.1, and only one can be called on when Tuchel plays his strongest starting XI at Euro 2028.
But when it comes to their Premier League stats, Trafford is leading the way. More saves made, less goals conceded, better save percentage and so many more stats that suggest he is in better form this season.
| Premier League 26-27 | Pickford | Trafford |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 | 10 |
| Minutes | 810 | 900 |
| Starts | 9 | 10 |
| Saves | 28 | 37 |
| Save percentage | 73.7% | 82.2% |
| Goals conceded | 10 | 8 |
| Goals conceded per 90 | 1.11 | 0.80 |
| Clean sheets | 4 | 4 |
| Saves per 90 | 3.11 | 3.70 |
| Shots on target faced | 38 | 45 |
| Shots on target faced per 90 | 4.22 | 4.50 |
Trafford has the best save percentage in the Premier League. Across Europe’s top-five leagues, Trafford is also the best in Europe’s top-five leagues of goalkeepers who have played five or more league games.
If Tuchel is going to pick his side purely off form, Trafford starts. But Pickford is known to perform better in an England shirt, than he is at club level and has done little wrong to lose his place as first-choice.
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