'Excellent', 'Pleased Tuchel' - National media verdict on Leeds United's James Trafford in England win vs Czechia
The verdict from several national media outlets on Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford’s performance on Tuesday.
Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford played his second England game of the international break on Tuesday as England beat Czechia 2-0.
Second-half goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane sealed a commanding victory for the Three Lions in Prague. Czechia spent over an hour with 10 men after Pavel Sulc was sent off for a high tackle on Manchester City midfielder Elliot Anderson.
Trafford, who also played in last weekend’s 3-2 defeat at home to world champions Spain, enjoyed a more comfortable night between the posts. Although he was forced into a pair of good saves either side of half-time to keep the clean sheet.
Elland Road teammate Dominic Calvert-Lewin was given a watching brief in Prague. The striker started on the bench and remained there, with Thomas Tuchel turning to Jude Bellingham as a false-nine when replacing Kane late on.
While it was a much quieter night for Trafford, the Leeds man did receive praise from national media outlets for his performance. Here’s what a number of them had to say...
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett gave Trafford a 7/10 rating. He said of the goalkeeper: “Made two decent saves, one in each half but was largely a spectator for the rest of the game.”
Trafford was given a 6/10 rating by the Mirror. Chief reporter John Cross wrote: "Excellent early block. Has done well in his job share. Good distribution and looks in control."
The Daily Mail also gave out a 6/10 rating and wrote: “Quick in charging forward when Czechia got behind England early on. When the hosts went down to 10 men after 25 minutes, his evening quietened.”
Another 6/10 followed in the BBC player ratings. Their England reporter Alex Howell wrote: “Made a good save in the second half. Trafford was very calm with the ball at his feet and showed his passing range which pleased Tuchel throughout.”
And ESPN also handed Trafford a 6/10 rating. They wrote: “Calm and collected with the ball at his feet, quite clearly showing what Tuchel wants from his goalkeeper. Also made a strong save in the second half.”
Trafford’s international campaign is now expected to be over, with long-standing first-choice Jordan Pickford due back for Nations League meetings with Croatia and Czechia again. The Leeds goalkeeper will be happy with how Tuesday’s game went and the keeping of a clean sheet.