Roy Keane names England challenge James Trafford faces - 'it's not ideal'

Roy Keane believes Leeds United's James Trafford won't have a smooth transition into his expected role for England.

The shot-stopper was given the call-up by Thomas Tuchel ahead of the international break after an impressive start to the season for the Whites.

Daniel Farke was keen for his side to get a new goalkeeper in the summer, bringing Trafford to Elland Road in a £40million move from Manchester City.

The 23-year-old has been tipped to replace Jordan Pickford for the Three Lions, potentially as early as the 2028 EUROs.

Tuchel has already shown his trust in the Leeds ace, starting him in England's 3-2 loss to Spain in their Nations League opener, before handing him the chance to impress again against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

Trafford isn't the only fresh face who has been in and around England's starting lineup, as Keane gives his reasons why the Leeds keeper faces a challenge.

Roy Keane shares what's 'not ideal' for England and James Trafford

Trafford was a huge upgrade on Karl Darlow for Leeds, who departed LS11 to join Manchester United on a free deal in the summer.

The Whites also let Lucas Perri leave the club on loan, despite the Brazilian initially being brought in last season to be the number one shot-stopper.

Leeds feel as though they have England's future number one on their hands, and his early performances under Farke suggest why he may replace Pickford moving forward.

However, the ex-Burnley keeper was criticised for his display against Spain.

While speaking on ITV before England kicked off against the Czech Republic, Keane explained why he thinks recent changes at the back may give England a few teething issues, including Trafford.

Keane said: "It's certainly not good enough (the defending). Certainly not the couple of goals they gave away the other night. Sometimes a bit of brilliance, like maybe Argentina, but they've got into a few bad habits.

"Obviously, they've changed the goalkeeper in the last game, so it does take time for players to settle in; it's not ideal."

Trafford was expected to play England's first two Nations League games, while it's said that Pickford will be handed his playing time in the later two matches during the break.

Dean Henderson is also in the fold, but Tuchel is clearly prioritising Trafford, who has age on his side.

But as Keane mentions, it could take some time for the Leeds man to settle in alongside some other new faces in defence.

Does Trafford need to worry about England's other young prospects?

England's first two Nations League games have taught Leeds that Trafford is ahead of Henderson in Tuchel's thoughts.

That would naturally leave him in a head-to-head competition with Pickford for the number one spot, if the EUROs 2028 tournament were around the corner.

However, a lot can change in two years, and many players can develop even further to challenge in between the sticks.

Coventry City's Carl Rushworth has an impressive profile for a modern-day goalkeeper, and already has experience with England's U21s setup.

James Beadle is another up-and-coming talent for England, with the shot-stopper currently out on loan from Brighton at Birmingham City.

Both of these goalkeepers could become a lot more familiar to Leeds and Trafford in the next few years.