James Trafford issues new disappointment over Man City return and England place at World Cup | OneFootball

Manchester City’s James Trafford has issued further signs of disappointment over his role at the Etihad Stadium, and its impact on his World Cup campaign with England.

The timing of the goalkeeper’s latest public admission carries heavy weight, developing on the eve of England’s World Cup bow for 2026, hours after the summer transfer window officially opened for business, and days after reports of fresh Newcastle United interest.

Following a turbulent campaign where the Cumbrian-born stopper marshalled the sky blues to a domestic cup double – turning in clean-sheet displays in both final showdowns at Wembley – Trafford found his development path blocked after Pep Guardiola signed Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma for £26 million.

Now, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca and Sporting Director Hugo Viana orchestrating a squad rebuild including a record-breaking pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Trafford’s future has been cast into doubt before pre-season begins in July.

James Trafford issues fresh frustration over Man City career

Speaking to reporters ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Croatia, James Trafford opened up on his expected position as second choice goalkeeper within Thomas Tuchel’s squad, behind Everton’s Jordan Pickford.

“Just because you play for a certain club doesn’t mean that you automatically play for the national team – you have still got to show your level, you have still got to perform at the highest level,” said Trafford.

“When I did move [to Manchester City], if I had become England’s number one for the tournament, it would have been brilliant,” he continued.

“I’d have been very happy, but obviously I didn’t. They obviously ended up signing Gigi [Donnarumma], and I didn’t play the majority of the games, and that’s football.”

When further asked whether being No.1 choice at club level is crucial to having the same role with England, Trafford responded, “History says yeah.

“I think there hasn’t been a goalie start for any of the top nations that isn’t a No.1 at the club, so going off history, I’d say yes. You never know, whether I move, whether I don’t move, I do what’s right for me and my career.”

Trafford at the World Cup with England

Looking ahead to the World Cup tournament as a whole and his role within the Three Lions camp, Trafford explained, “No one’s an idiot. The whole goal is to win the World Cup, so everyone is going to do their best to try and win the World Cup.

“And whether that’s you play every single minute or don’t play a minute, everyone is here to support each other to win the World Cup, because what a massive achievement it is to win the World Cup.

“It only happens every four years. That means everyone pushing towards the same goal.”

What does the summer transfer window hold for Trafford?

As the academy graduate still has four years remaining on his long-term contract, Hugo Viana has established a firm financial stance, demanding a minimum package of £40 million to sanction a permanent sale.

Manchester City have already made significant waves this summer by locking down Croatian star Josko Gvardiol to a contract extension until 2031, and reportedly reaching an agreement on personal terms with Atalanta’s Marco Palestra – as per claims from Italy.

Whether James Trafford chooses to fight for his spot or pushes through a blockbuster move after his international duties conclude, his situation will remain a major talking point when the new Premier League campaign kicks off on the weekend of Saturday, 22 August, 2026.