Jordan Pickford set for England return against Croatia after Trafford rotation

Jordan Pickford is expected to return in goal for England against Croatia on Saturday after accepting Thomas Tuchel’s recent decision to rotate his No. 1.

Key takeaways

• Pickford has been on the bench for England’s last two matches as James Trafford was given an opportunity.
• The Everton captain is likely to start against Croatia and in Tuesday’s Wembley meeting with the Czech Republic.
• Trafford played in the Nations League loss to Spain and the subsequent win over the Czech Republic.
• England are second in Group C on three points, behind Spain and level with Croatia.
• Pickford has collected 91 caps since making his England debut in 2017.

Pickford accepts Tuchel’s call

Pickford said Tuchel explained why he had been left out, with the goalkeeper insisting his responsibility was to support the squad even when he was not selected.

“It is unusual for me to be on the bench, for club or country,” Pickford said. “The manager gave me his reasons and it was useful to see where I stand. My job is to bring energy, train properly, be a leader and be the best team-mate I can be.

“I enjoy playing, but if I am watching then I want England to win. I believe I handled the last two games well.”

Tuchel’s rotation has opened up a contest for a position Pickford had largely owned for years. The Everton keeper has been England’s established first choice through successive managerial regimes, featuring at five major tournaments and playing a key role as the Three Lions finished third at this summer’s World Cup.

Trafford’s rise adds pressure

Leeds United goalkeeper Trafford has strengthened his claim since moving to Elland Road, and his recent England starts have added real competition in the group.

Pickford said the selection decision reflected both England’s longer-term planning and Trafford’s club form. “We have been together in this cycle for two years now,” he said. “Trafford has made a very good start at Leeds. We have built a strong goalkeeping unit over those two years, and that was the manager’s message. You have to respect it.

“Competition is always positive. I have said before that I want it. There are good young goalkeepers coming through, which is a credit to England, and hopefully that continues.”

The 91-cap goalkeeper also made clear that he will not ease off as he moves into the senior stage of his career. He said he will continue demanding the highest standards from himself at Everton in pursuit of further international appearances.

England enter the Croatia match with three Group C points. Spain lead the section with six from six, while Croatia have the same total as England in third. The Czech Republic are bottom without a point ahead of their trip to Wembley on Tuesday.