England World Cup Squad Analysis: Trafford's Setback and Tuchel's Selection Dilemmas

In a World Cup year, every decision and performance carries immense weight, with a single misstep potentially costing a player their place on the plane to the tournament. This could stem from injury, a dip in form, or, most significantly, a transfer that backfires. For any England hopeful aiming to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad or starting eleven, such factors can have a devastating impact.

No example illustrates this better than James Trafford's situation. Initially viewed within the Football Association as the goalkeeper most likely to challenge Jordan Pickford for the number one jersey, Trafford's prospects have dramatically shifted. A capable shot-stopper known for his big saves and ability to play out with his feet, he seemed the complete package.

Last summer, Trafford moved to strengthen his England chances, but the transfer may have ultimately undermined them. While Newcastle showed interest, he opted for Manchester City, stepping into Pep Guardiola's side as the new first-choice keeper following Ederson's departure. This appeared to open a huge opportunity at the Premier League's most successful club.

However, after some inconsistent early performances, City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, relegating Trafford to the number two role and cup keeper duties. Reflecting on City's FA Cup win over Salford City, Trafford admitted, "I didn't expect the situation to happen, but it's happened, so you just get on with it."

The reality now is that Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson has solidified his position as England's second-choice goalkeeper, leaving Trafford to battle with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale for the third spot in the squad. If Pope maintains his form, his experience might give him the edge over Trafford, despite not being as proficient with his feet.

Weekend Performances: Risers and Fallers

Several other players made headlines with their weekend displays, influencing their World Cup chances. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones impressed against Brighton, scoring and demonstrating his ability to progress the ball from midfield into attack. His performance highlighted his potential, though competition for places at Liverpool limits his opportunities.

Phil Foden received mixed reviews after City's victory over Salford City. Some praised his efforts, while others were less convinced, and his substitution in favor of Antoine Semenyo raised questions. Guardiola later clarified, stating he had "zero, zero, zero doubts, zero about Phil," but Foden's recent form has been inconsistent, with him often relegated to substitute roles when others are fit.

Lewis Hall shone for Newcastle against Aston Villa, displaying tenacity and strength at left-back. His timely resurgence makes a compelling case for inclusion, as he competes with Nico O'Reilly for one of the two left-back berths. Hall's youth, mobility, and conventional style could give him an advantage over alternatives like Dan Burn.

England Player Ratings: Weekly Verdict

With less than four months until Tuchel must finalize his squad for the 2026 World Cup, competition is fierce across all positions. In our weekly series, Chief Football Writer John Cross provides his latest ratings on selected players' likelihood of making the cut.

James Trafford: Match rating 7/10. Despite a narrow 2-0 win over Salford City, Trafford was kept busy with good saves. Current form 6/10 – limited to cup outings, he lacks sufficient minutes to prove himself. England squad rating 6/10 – behind Pickford and Henderson, he's in the mix with Pope and Ramsdale.

Curtis Jones: Match rating 8/10. He showcased his skills against Brighton, being proactive and scoring. Current form 6/10 – competition at Liverpool restricts his game time. England squad rating 6/10 – once a big hope, he now faces stiffer competition but remains in contention.

Phil Foden: Match rating 6/10. His performance was mixed, leading to substitution. Current form 6/10 – after a purple patch, he's often a substitute. England squad rating 7/10 – his versatility across attacking roles gives him an edge.

Lewis Hall: Match rating 7/10. He was a standout for Newcastle, strong in defense and attack. Current form 6/10 – overcoming injuries, he's hitting form at the right time. England squad rating 8/10 – pushing hard for a left-back spot, with youth and mobility on his side.

Full Squad Ratings Overview

John Cross's latest ratings assess each player's chances on a scale of 1-10, ranked by position:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford 10/10, Dean Henderson 8/10, Nick Pope 6/10, James Trafford 6/10, Aaron Ramsdale 3/10.
Right Backs: Reece James 9/10, Trent Alexander-Arnold 6/10, Rico Lewis 4/10, Ben White 3/10.
Left Backs: Nico O'Reilly 9/10, Lewis Hall 8/10, Tino Livramento 6/10, Luke Shaw 6/10, Djed Spence 6/10, Myles Lewis-Skelly 3/10, Jack Hinshelwood 2/10.
Central Defenders: Ezri Konsa 9/10, Marc Guehi 9/10, Jarell Quansah 8/10, John Stones 7/10, Dan Burn 7/10, Trevoh Chalobah 7/10, Harry Maguire 6/10, Jarrad Branthwaite 4/10, Levi Colwill 3/10.
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson 10/10, Declan Rice 10/10, Jordan Henderson 9/10, Kobbie Mainoo 7/10, Curtis Jones 6/10, Adam Wharton 6/10, Morgan Gibbs-White 6/10, Conor Gallagher 5/10, Mason Mount 4/10, Ruben Loftus-Cheek 3/10.
Right Forwards: Bukayo Saka 9/10, Noni Madueke 7/10, Jarrod Bowen 7/10.
Left Forwards: Anthony Gordon 8/10, Marcus Rashford 8/10, Eberechi Eze 6/10.
No10s: Morgan Rogers 9/10, Jude Bellingham 9/10, Phil Foden 7/10, Cole Palmer 7/10.
Strikers: Harry Kane 10/10, Ollie Watkins 8/10, Dominic Solanke 6/10, Danny Welbeck 6/10, Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6/10, Liam Delap 5/10.

As the World Cup approaches, Tuchel faces tough decisions, with players like Trafford facing setbacks and others like Hall rising to the occasion. The competition promises to intensify in the coming months.