England kicks off its Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on Saturday, but Jordan Pickford won’t be the one in goal for Thomas Tuchel’s side. The longtime England No. 1 has been left on the bench for a match that marks the Three Lions‘ first fixture of this new Nations League cycle.
James Trafford, the Leeds United goalkeeper, will start in Pickford‘s place, with Tuchel opting for the change due to tactical considerations rather than any injury concern.
The decision signals that the manager is beginning to introduce some fresh faces into his setup in this post-World Cup era, even with a proven veteran available to him.
It remains to be seen whether Pickford will get minutes off the bench today or simply has to wait for another fixture to reclaim his starting spot, with Tuchel using this window to evaluate whether Trafford is ready to eventually take over the role.
*Developing story
