James Trafford’s England dream burns with No 1 spot finally up for grabs again

The Leeds player was surprise starter against Spain but, after his solid display, Jordan Pickford’s grip may be loosening James Trafford looks genuinely affronted. The Leeds goalkeeper’s reaction borders on incredulity.

Was it a season of frustration for him at Manchester City last time out, he is asked? A wasted year?

“I won two trophies,” he says very simply and very firmly. Defiance is the stock in trade of a goalkeeper and Trafford has a nice line in it, on and off the pitch.

Thrust into the England lineup against Spain at Wembley on Saturday for only his third cap, he performed well, particularly during the opening 35 minutes when the world champions threatened to run riot.

Trafford made two excellent saves that kept England in contention, laying the groundwork for their surge into a 2-1 half-time lead.

They ended up losing 3-2 in the Nations League opener after Harry Kane missed a 54th-minute penalty for 3-1. Continue reading...