Where Leeds United star James Trafford stands as England number one debate continues
Leeds United have been keeping a close eye on James Trafford and his progress with England.
The 23-year-old has had an excellent start to life since his move to Elland Road.
There was plenty of hype surrounding his move from Manchester City, and he's lived up to it so far.
That has carried onto the international stage as the shot-stopper has doubled his cap count for the Three Lions.
That has caught the eye of everyone at Elland Road on this extended international break.
Questions have now emerged over Trafford and the number one shirt for England, but is it his?
Is James Trafford now England number one?
It was certainly a surprise to see the Elland Road ace named in the starting XI against Spain to open the break.
The first Nations League outing saw the keeper concede after two minutes, but there was very little that he could do.
Trafford still made two saves and kept hold of the shirt for the trip to face Czechia a week ago.
He was benched for the away day in Croatia, but it still represented a statement of intent for him to start the first two.
That has sparked questions whether the Leeds man could now be the new number one for England.
Sky Sports journalist has put those to bed as he believes Jordan Pickford remains in charge of that role.
Speaking via Sky Sports News on Tuesday, he said: "I think it was smart from Thomas Tuchel to give Trafford some game time in two proper matches.
"I think Trafford is the next man in line. Jordan Pickford is still the number one for the time being, that won't change. It might be that we see James Trafford getting a few more games between now and the EUROs."
That could see the upcoming European Championships be seen out with the Everton man between the sticks, but when could it be the turn of Trafford?
When Leeds star Trafford could become England number one
The 2028 EUROs is set to be co-hosted by England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland.
Wembley will host the two semi-finals and the final, something which paid dividends for the Three Lions in the 2021 championships.
It appears that Pickford will go into that tournament with the number one shirt, but that could mark the passing of the torch.
That will end with the Everton man aged 34, while Trafford will be just 25.
The 2002-born ace could be given the nod by Tuchel, or whoever is the head coach by then, ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
The Leeds man could then feature regularly in Morocco, Portugal, and Spain at 27.
That would represent a fair pathway to becoming a first-team regular, but it requires Trafford to maintain a level of form for the forseeable.