Why Leeds' James Trafford is about to overtake Jordan Pickford after England announcement
Leeds United's James Trafford is ready to make a strong case to be England's number one goalkeeper.
The shot-stopper has been included in Thomas Tuchel's squad, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin also selected ahead of the three-week international break.
The Three Lions take on Spain, the Czech Republic twice, and Croatia over the break, where Trafford will aim to impress Tuchel.
Pickford is now 32 years old, and there are serious doubts over whether he will be the number one keeper come the next major national tournament.
Though Jason Steele has also been chosen for selection by Tuchel, the Brighton goalie is unlikely to play any part other than being present for squad morale and support.
Trafford has started well for Leeds under Daniel Farke, as the statistics prove that he is on the verge of overtaking Pickford for his spot in England's first team.
Why James Trafford can use international break to pull ahead of Jordan Pickford
Leeds signed Trafford for around £40million from Manchester City this summer, and has gotten off to a flying start for the Whites.
The 23-year-old has an average FotMob rating of 7.37 in the Premier League so far this season, with an 83.3 per cent save percentage.
He's made a total of 15 saves and has a 63 per cent pass success rate, with 35 per cent long ball accuracy.
Pickford has a lower 7.20 FotMob rating in comparison, with a 79 per cent save percentage, having saved 11 shots.
The Everton shot-stopper has a 61 per cent success rate for passes in general, while his long-ball accuracy statistic stands at 27 per cent.
Trafford is currently excelling in all these key areas, and with age on his side and the World Cup now in the past, Tuchel will be tempted to get him more involved this camp.
What Thomas Tuchel announcement means for Leeds duo
Pickford is currently England's all-time record holder for the most appearances in a Three Lions shirt at the World Cup with 18; that's the competition that Trafford faces.
Interestingly, for Calvert-Lewin, he is the only natural striker behind Harry Kane.
But what Tuchel's squad selection shows is that he is already planning ahead to the 2028 Euro's tournament, with several changes to the team that he brought to North America with him earlier this summer.
It means that the Leeds duo have an increased chance of being involved in things moving forward, as the pair will look to make an impression on their German head coach during an extended international break.