Why James Trafford could have Thomas Tuchel 'quaking in his boots' as England No.1 debate grows
Jay Bothroyd believes he understands why Leeds United's James Trafford has played for England recently.
The Whites signed the goalkeeper from Manchester City in the summer, in a deal worth around £40million.
The 23-year-old has settled in well at Elland Road, keeping three clean sheets in all competitions so far.
Trafford was given a call-up by Thomas Tuchel ahead of England's Nations League fixtures, as he played in the Three Lions' opening defeat to Spain on Saturday.
The 3-2 loss has sparked further debate over whether Everton's Jordan Pickford should be replaced in between the sticks yet, with Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson also an option.
Jay Bothroyd makes England No.1 claim amid James Trafford question
Daniel Farke has been pleased with Trafford's performances for Leeds so far.
The Whites conducted a big overhaul in the goalkeeping department in the summer, letting Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow leave for free, while Lucas Perri joined Serie A side Torino on a season-long loan.
Michael Zetterer was brought in to play deputy to Trafford, who has now put himself firmly in contention to be England's number one keeper at the next major tournament.
While speaking live on Sky Sports FC this Monday, Bothroyd was asked on whether Trafford's start against Spain means that he's now England's number one.
Bothroyd said: "I personally think Pickford is still number one. He's never let England down, and to be totally honest, he's performed very, very well in an England shirt.
"But I do think now, Tuchel is giving Trafford and Henderson an opportunity, because if you get deep into a competition and you have a goalkeeper who has two or three caps, he's going to be quaking in his boots.
"Because now he's thinking 'It's all on me, I'm under pressure'. When you have them caps, when you go in the team, you don't feel as nervous, and I think that's why he's giving them the opportunities."
Trafford had only made two appearances previously for the Three Lions, as both of which were in friendly matches.
He's now played his first competitive game for England, and though it didn't go the way that he would have wanted it to, it was an important step for the Leeds man.
Why Trafford's stats vs Spain don't bode well for Leeds star
Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge explained that Pickford is expected to start in match three and four of England's international games during the break.
That leaves Trafford in a fight with Henderson for who will play in the Three Lions' game against the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
As per FotMob data, Trafford picked up a 5.0 rating against Spain, the lowest out of any player on the field.
He prevented -1.37 goals, though the likes of Marc Guehi in front of him did not help his case to be the starting keeper.
Trafford still has a long way to go yet before cementing his place under Tuchel, though it's these chances that will emerge as crucial for the Englishman.