Calvert-Lewin has played with both of the England goalkeepers vying for the number one jersey at club level

Dominic Calvert-Lewin believes James Trafford possesses the mental attributes to be England number one but says Jordan Pickford’s time with the Three Lions means he will not be dethroned quickly.

Pickford remains Thomas Tuchel’s first choice for now but the head coach has underlined that the Everton goalkeeper now has competition for his spot. Trafford started the first two of England’s Nations League matches during the last break, including against world champions Spain.

Tuchel has no firm plan on whether he and Pickford will share the match load again this time ahead of fixtures against Croatia and Spain but has not ruled it out. Trafford moved to Leeds United to play regularly again after being second choice at Manchester City last season.

His goal and intention is to ultimately take that England number one jersey. Pickford will be 34 by the time the 2028 home European Championships come around and Trafford, 25.

Hailing Trafford, Calvert-Lewin - who will also be eyeing a spot at the finals - told reporters: “When he has played, he's been top, and he's continued that coming to Leeds. I think he's been a fantastic addition for us and exactly what we needed.

“You just get that feeling when you see someone up close, and I see him on a match day; he's got all the qualities that are needed to be a top, top goalie for me.”

Make sure you never miss the latest Leeds United news and opinion by making Leeds Live one of your Google preferred sources.

Privately, Pickford reacted well to Trafford starting ahead of him last window according to Tuchel, and the duo get on well together at England camps.

While there is only one spot up for grabs, Calvert-Lewin - who has played with both goalkeepers at club level - chooses to take the stance of appreciation over competition.

“I think we're fortunate now that we've got two exceptional goalkeepers,” he added of the pair. “One thing that is true for both of them is they're very self-confident and confident in their ability, which is what I think you need from England's number one.

“I played with Pickers for nine years at Everton, so I've seen him grow and what a career he's had for England. I don't think that can be so quickly disregarded at all.

“But now I'm playing with James Trafford, who is a younger, confident, top, top goalkeeper, and I'm seeing his quality week in, week out now. I think it's something that should be appreciated by us as a nation.

“We're very quick to kind of pit players against each other when there's all of a sudden competition for places, but instead of appreciating the fact that we've got strength in depth, and strength in depth is what you need in order to win tournaments.”