James Trafford explains Leeds United transfer affect on England chances amid Jordan Pickford battle
The Leeds United goalkeeper started for England against Spain and will feature against Czechia on Tuesday.
Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford believes regular club football has helped him break into the England picture - but it’s not made him a better player yet.
Trafford was rewarded for a promising start between the Elland Road posts with a place in the England starting line-up in the Nations League against Spain on Saturday. Despite losing 3-2, the Leeds goalkeeper produced some fine saves and will retain his place against Czechia on Tuesday.
It’s a big promotion from being third-choice behind Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson at the World Cup and arrives after he became Leeds’ most expensive ever player at £40m plus add-ons. The 23-year-old came straight in as No.1 and hasn’t missed a Premier League minute.
"There's not many players that don't play (for their clubs) that start for any national team and it was always my aim to play in a top league and play for a top team in Leeds this season,” Trafford told the Yorkshire Post. "It's what I wanted to do, it's what I love.
“I just enjoy playing football and it keeps me happy and it's great fun playing football. It's an amazing club and I've loved every day I've been there and it's a great set of lads. Wherever I play I just really enjoy everything.”
Trafford is already an integral part of the Premier League’s joint-best defence, with Leeds conceding just three goals in five games and keeping two clean sheets. The England star is also top among fellow goalkeepers for number of saves (20) and save percentage (87 per cent).
While Trafford disputes suggestions he’s become a better goalkeeper since joining Leeds, he does admit to being in a good vein of form thanks to playing regular football. And in his opinion, that’s a non-negotiable if he wants to keep representing his country.
"Your ability doesn't change whether you play or not play, it's just how you think it in your head,” he added. "It's hard to go up a level in terms of ability in a short space of time, the one thing I'm doing is playing and playing regularly and that's one thing that you have to do to get picked for your country.”