Leeds United had many of their best players called up for this international break. And after the first round of fixtures for most sides, it has been a mixed bag for some players.
Dan James would have had a game to forget missing a clear chance against Portugal. He only made a short cameo in Wales’ next game.
Anton Stach has not impressed on either of his outings for Germany, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin only got 13 minutes off the bench against Spain. Good news for Leeds is that Ilia Gruev is fit again and was in action for Bulgaria.
Jaka Bijol was outstanding as Slovenia managed to hold Scotland to a draw in their Nations League Opener.
What Thomas Tuchel said about Leeds United star’s chances of starting for England
James Trafford. Credit: IMAGO
Thomas Tuchel trusted James Trafford with a start in England’s 3-2 defeat to Spain in the Nations League.
It was not the best day for the Leeds United star, as he made just two saves and made an error that led to a shot. England boss Tomas Tuchel has said that Trafford will remain in goal for the next game against Czech Republic.
The German coach explained his reasoning.
“For me it was important he stays in goal, so he can use this experience with these players that he’s not played so much or maybe never played with,” Tuchel said. “They can use it together as a defensive unit, a defensive block.”
On Trafford’s chances of becoming England number one, Tuchel gave a positive answer.
“I’m glad he gets this experience,” he said. “We just want to see who else is capable of producing performances for us, who else is ready for a challenge and ready to challenge Jordan Pickford, who did so well for us over so many years. Trafford got the chance now with two matches. Hopefully he can prove a point.”
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James Trafford deserves a fair chance at being England number one
Trafford had already been earmarked for the first choice goalkeeper role since he came up through the ranks.
His feats at Burnley and on loan at other EFL clubs showed just why he was highly rated. Now that he has gotten his big move to a Premier League club he will play consistently, his time has come.
Tuchel seems happy to give him a few games here and there, and now it is up to Trafford to make that spot his own.
Jordan Pickford will probably feature in his last international tournament in the next two years.
