Manchester City have another England international in their ranks and they cannot afford to lose him | OneFootball

James Trafford has always seemed destined to become an England international ever since he rose through the ranks of the Manchester City academy system. There is little doubt that Trafford is the best goalkeeper that City’s youth system has produced. Although Trafford has been Manchester City’s backup keeper this season, his quality has shone through when he has been given the opportunity to play. This stood out as Trafford played an important role in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup win over Arsenal. The young goalkeeper has now earned his first England cap and he is a player that City simply must find a way to keep.

James Trafford earned his first England cap against Uruguay.

Thomas Tuchel used England’s most recent friendly against Uruguay to trial a host of players who are on the fringe of the England squad. With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, Tuchel needs to know what players he can rely upon in the United States. One of those players who was given an opportunity to start was James Trafford. The Manchester City keeper started in goal and did his job well as England drew 1-1 with Uruguay. It was a special moment for Trafford. He has always appeared destined to one day become an England international. Now the young goalkeeper is one.

It seems unlikely but Manchester City have to find a way to keep James Trafford.

James Trafford seems destined for a long and successful career as a goalkeeper. He served his apprenticeship at Bolton and Burnley. His time at those two clubs allowed Trafford the chance to play regularly and develop as a goalkeeper. Trafford returned to Manchester City last summer. The England international has all the necessary traits to become Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper. Unfortunately, Gianluigi Donnarumma stands in his way. The Italian international is Manchester City’s first-choice keeper. Unfortunately for Trafford, he cannot afford to be a backup keeper at this stage of his career.

James Trafford needs to be playing regularly at a high level to become a regular for England. He also needs that opportunity to fulfill his obvious potential. As of right now, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in his way, it is hard to see how Trafford will get that opportunity at Manchester City. In all likelihood, Trafford will have to leave City this summer to get the opportunity he needs to be a first-choice keeper.

That is something that Manchester City cannot afford to let happen. James Trafford has the makings of Manchester City’s first-choice keeper for the next decade or so. He is that good and is well-versed in how City want to play. If there is a way for City to keep Trafford, they simply must do it. Perhaps sending him out on loan for next season is a way for City to keep James Trafford. That way, Trafford can play while Gianluigi Donnarumma is at the club. Whether or not that option is feasible isn’t immediately clear.

James Trafford is now an England international. The Manchester City goalkeeper has always seemed destined to play for his country, and he can now tick that particular box. Looking further ahead, Manchester City simply must find a way to keep James Trafford at the club. He has the potential to be Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper for an extended period, and players like that are not easy to find.