Dominic Calvert-Lewin has refused to dethrone Jordan Pickford as England's number one, even though he believes James Trafford has the mental attributes to replace the Everton goalkeeper. For the first time in eight years, Pickford faces serious competition for his England spot, with Trafford having already warned he is coming for the number one shirt.
Pickford has played a key role in every tournament since, but found himself watching from the bench at the start of England's first meet-up since the World Cup earlier this season. England boss Thomas Tuchel has told the Everton goalkeeper he can expect split game time with Trafford for the Nations League matches this month.
Calvert-Lewin's View on the Goalkeeper Battle
Calvert-Lewin currently plays with Trafford at Elland Road, but spent a large part of his career working with Pickford at Everton. Asked about the battle between the pair, he said: "I think we're fortunate now that we've got two exceptional goalkeepers. One thing that is true for both of them is they're very self-confident and confident in their ability, which is what I think you need from England's number one.
"I played with Pickers for nine years at Everton, so I've seen him grow and what a career he's had for England. I don't think that can be so quickly disregarded at all.
"But now I'm playing with James Trafford, who is a younger, confident, top, top goalkeeper, and I'm seeing his quality week in, week out now. I think it's something that should be appreciated by us as a nation.
"We're very quick to kind of pit players against each other when there's all of a sudden competition for places, but instead of appreciating the fact that we've got strength in depth, and strength in depth is what you need in order to win tournaments."
Tuchel Confirms Pickford Still Number One
On Trafford, Calvert-Lewin added: "When he has played, he's been top, and he's continued that coming to Leeds. I think he's been a fantastic addition for us and exactly what we needed.
"You just get that feeling when you see someone up close, and I see him on a match day; he's got all the qualities that are needed to be a top, top goalie for me."
Asked if Pickford was no longer number one, Tuchel revealed earlier this week: "No, he is. But nothing has changed. The competition is on there as well, like for the outfield players.
"Traff gets regular starts now, that's what we wanted. James Trafford did well. They shared the matches last time. I'm not sure what we will do. There's an opportunity that we maybe do this again.
"I have to speak with our goalkeeper coach. But the goalkeepers, they are a bit of a unit for themselves, and rightly so."
Nations League Matches Ahead
Tuchel has two more Nations League matches to round off a hectic year, with Thursday's Wembley clash against Croatia followed by a trip to World Cup winners Spain on Sunday.
"It's slightly different (to outfield players), but when do I have a chance to see another goalkeeper, if not in Nations League? If not in high-pressure matches?" the head coach asked.
"So, we had James against Spain, we asked ourselves, 'Is this fair for James Trafford to straightaway go against Spain?'.
"But I think it's exactly what we need because what happens if Jordan Pickford is injured? What happens if he's not available?
"So, it's better to test it. Jordan knows about this. That we want to use Nations League for exactly that.
"But at the moment, nothing has changed. At the moment, he's the number one and he just feels a bit of competition, which is good for him."
