OffsAIde
·29 September 2026
Thomas Tuchel says Leeds and England keeper James Trafford can make his case in Prague

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Yahoo sportsOffsAIde
·29 September 2026

Thomas Tuchel says Leeds and England goalkeeper James Trafford will start again against Czechia in Prague, adding that the occasion can help him make his case.
According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the Three Lions visit Prague for their second Nations League match of the break after Saturday's 3-2 home defeat to world champions Spain, when Trafford was a surprise starter.
Tuchel outlined on Saturday a plan for Trafford, Leeds' club-record £40 million signing, to play two of England's four fixtures, with Jordan Pickford set to return against Croatia and Czechia at home.
Trafford produced several saves against Spain but still conceded three.
The England manager said keeping him in goal allows him to build understanding with team-mates he has rarely, if ever, played alongside, and to assess who else is ready to perform and challenge Pickford, who has served England well for years.
Pickford has been England's undisputed No 1 for much of the past decade, but he will be 34 by the 2028 European Championships and 36 at the next World Cup, so a long-term successor is needed. Trafford moved to Leeds in the summer seeking regular football to push his international claims, and appears to be benefitting already.
Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
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