According to a report by The Daily Mirror on Monday, November 9, 2026, England manager Thomas Tuchel has reaffirmed Jordan Pickford's position as his first-choice goalkeeper despite the growing competition from James Trafford ahead of the forthcoming Nations League fixtures.

Both Pickford and Trafford are under consideration for England's upcoming matches against Spain and Croatia. However, Tuchel has made it clear that the emergence of the younger goalkeeper has not yet changed the established pecking order.

During the previous international break, Tuchel continued assessing his goalkeeping options and handed Trafford starts in two matches. The decision provided the Leeds United goalkeeper with an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities and challenge Pickford for the position.

Pickford has been England's regular first-choice goalkeeper for an extended period, but Trafford's recent progress has made the competition considerably stronger. Dean Henderson, meanwhile, appears to be losing ground in the battle for international recognition.

With 93 England appearances to his name, Pickford remains determined to retain his position as the national team's leading goalkeeper as preparations continue for the 2028 European Championship.

Asked whether the Everton goalkeeper was still his first choice, Tuchel responded: "No, he is." The German manager nevertheless acknowledged that competition for the position remained open, particularly after Trafford received the regular playing opportunities England wanted him to gain at club level.

Tuchel has not yet settled on his approach for the upcoming fixtures and has suggested that he could once again divide playing time between the two goalkeepers. England's previous decision to share the matches allowed both players to gain valuable experience while giving the coaching staff an opportunity to assess their performances.

"Good job, James Trafford. They split the matches the last time around. What shall we do? I am uncertain," Tuchel said, indicating that he had not ruled out repeating the arrangement.

The England manager also views the Nations League as a useful competition for testing different goalkeeping options in meaningful international matches. Such opportunities could prove particularly important if Pickford becomes unavailable through injury or other circumstances.

Beyond their performances on the pitch, Tuchel praised Pickford's response to the increased competition. The experienced goalkeeper reportedly accepted the decision to give Trafford opportunities and supported his younger teammate rather than allowing the situation to create tension within the squad.

According to Tuchel, Pickford even encouraged Trafford to make the most of his opportunity, demonstrating a positive attitude towards the competition for England's number one position.

The manager also highlighted how the senior goalkeeper helped Trafford settle into the international group, making the younger player feel welcome despite their battle for the same position.

Pickford's response has therefore provided another encouraging example of the professionalism Tuchel expects from his players. While the Everton goalkeeper remains ahead in the selection hierarchy, Trafford's progress means he cannot take his position for granted.

As England prepare for their Nations League meetings with Spain and Croatia, Tuchel must decide whether to maintain Pickford as his undisputed starter or distribute opportunities between the two contenders. For now, however, the manager's comments confirm that Pickford remains England's first-choice goalkeeper, with Trafford continuing to push for greater involvement.