English Media reacts to Leeds United star James Trafford's display vs Spain
Leeds United's James Trafford had an evening to forget in England's 3-2 loss to Spain.
The Whites star was handed an opportunity to start over Jordan Pickford against the World Cup winners in the UEFA Nations League A group clash.
It was just his third cap as the Everton ace usually has the position locked up.
Thomas Tuchel gave Trafford a chance, but he conceded three goals in the Wembley contest.
The English media have shared their reaction to the Elland Road stopper's showing.
They were quite sympathetic for the 23-year-old, as he was thrown into the deep end at international level.
What did the English media say about Leeds star James Trafford's showing vs Spain?
Trafford was helpless to prevent the Spanish goals, it was not his fault as his defence constantly put him in trouble.
The Standard handed him a five out of 10 rating, saying: "Out of his goal decisively to make an early save but conceded three times and was not always on song with his distribution."
The Sun shared the same rating, saying: “His passing out from the back was good, but his shot stopping left something to be desired as he conceded three goals and only made two saves.
"Jordan Pickford’s time between the sticks might not be over just yet, but Trafford does still show plenty of promise to be England’s future number one.”
The Telegraph was more generous with a six, saying: "Huge call from Thomas Tuchel to pick Leeds keeper ahead of Jordan Pickford. Pulled off an excellent one-on-one save to deny Ferran Torres and had no chance with the goals – Oyarzabal’s was a deft finish. Showed ability with ball at feet with first touch of the game, threading pass between two Spain defenders."
BBC also gave him a six saying: "Showed early on his ability to play with the ball at his feet but conceded after just two minutes when Guehi gifted the ball to Lamine Yamal. An important save stopped Torres making it 2-0 in the first half."
That is a solid set of ratings for the Leeds star, given the fact that he conceded so many goals.
Why Trafford's next performance may be even more crucial
Tuchel confirmed before the game that Trafford would get another opportunity against Czechia next time out, before Pickford comes back in for the remaining two matches.
The LS11 star needs to make sure that he has a good performance in the next clash, otherwise he will not give the former Chelsea manager a decision to make.
Tuchel will realise that the Spanish are a much harder opposition than Croatia at this minute, so it will be display against the Czechs which will really matter as to who is the regular starter.
If Trafford does better than Pickford, it may give his national team manager something to think about in the very near future, as he starts to think about the European Championships in 2028.
He needs to step up and show that he has what it takes to take on the responsibility, if not immediately, when Pickford is ready to call it a day.
His displays for Daniel Farke's side may not be enough, he needs to prove himself in the England side.
The position is his to lose when that happens, but he could make it happen even earlier if he can impress Tuchel.