Micah Richards believes the time has come for Jordan Pickford to be dropped from the England starting line-up after nearly a decade as a key player for the Three Lions.
In their first match since falling short at the World Cup, England kick off their Nations League fixtures against Spain on Saturday. Thomas Tuchel will almost certainly field as strong a line-up as possible against the world and European champions at Wembley, while dealing with a number of players pulling out of the squad through injury.
Richards backs Trafford to start
A successful Nations League campaign would be a real statement of intent from the Three Lions ahead of Euro 2028, but Richards believes Tuchel should drop Pickford in order to test out up-and-coming goalkeeper James Trafford.
“I would go with Trafford,” the former England and Manchester City defender told the Rest is Football. “Not because Pickford’s done anything wrong, I’m just thinking two years from now. Trafford started really well at Leeds and if you want to look for a new team, you’ve got to give people an opportunity, haven’t you?
“Although do you put him in against Spain, against world champions and then, if they were to win the game, knock his confidence? So, that’s a difficult decision.
“Maybe wait till after Spain but I would go with Trafford going forward just to see what he can do.”
Pickford's England career under scrutiny
For this extended international break, Tuchel called up Pickford, Trafford and Brighton back-up keeper Jason Steele, with Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson sidelined with injury.
Pickford has been England’s No.1 since his heroics at the 2018 World Cup, going on to help his country reach the final of two European championships. But the 91-cap international came under scrutiny for his performances at the last World Cup, as while he made some big saves, he was also beaten far too easily on a number of occasions.
The Everton star will be 34 when Euro 2028 starts and if Trafford develops as expected, there will be calls for a switch in between the sticks.
Trafford tipped as England's future
“I think Trafford’s probably the future,” England legend Gary Lineker added. “He’s got composure and a confidence that I like a lot.”
Trafford made his senior England debut in March and has long been tipped for a bright future, notably saving a last-minute penalty in the final of the European Under-21 Championship three years ago.
The 23-year-old helped Man City win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season before making a £40million transfer to Elland Road over the summer. He has played a key role in Leeds’ unbeaten start to the campaign, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just three goals in six games so far.
