Can Trafford become England's number one?

As Leeds United fans wait for the Whites' return to the Premier League after the extended international break, their number one, James Trafford, was given the opportunity to represent England against the world champions Spain. Although Trafford conceded three goals in his second start for his country, he became the third Leeds goalkeeper to don the Three Lions on his chest in a senior international, after Nigel Martyn and Paul Robinson. But, does Trafford deserve his start ahead of Jordan Pickford? On the latest Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix suggested Pickford, aged 32, is "getting a bit old, so at some point you have got to think about the plan for the future". "I thought Trafford made some good saves. His ex- Man City colleagues hung him out to dry with a couple of bad passes. I don't think he was at fault for anything," added Rix. After Trafford proved his worth at the Under-21s European Championships, England head coach, Lee Carsley said: "Wherever he goes and wherever he plays, he's got a really top mentality." However, when you have England's most capped goalkeeper at major tournaments standing in your way, opportunities are few and far between. Before Trafford's first England start in March 2026, the 23-year-old spent 15 consecutive games on the bench. "When Pickford came in, it was his feet that were good, but Trafford looks a level above. It is just his manner; it is just chill," said Rix. The former Man City shot-stopper is expected to start again for England against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, which will give Tuchel another chance at forging the competition he desires between Pickford and Trafford. Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed. Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds [BBC]