Does Pickford finally face serious competition for his England place?

England meet Croatia at Wembley on Thursday before facing the biggest test of their Uefa Nations League campaign when the play Spain in Madrid on Sunday. Tuchel maintains strong faith in Pickford, an outstanding performer for England, but Trafford has at least had the chance to stake his claim.

Tuchel has suggested he may use a rotation system for the pair once more in the upcoming internationals, which will only increase scrutiny on England's goalkeeping position. In his time as first choice, England have once more emerged as major players on global stage, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and 2026, as well as successive Euros finals at the delayed 2020 tournament and Euro 2024.

Measured by Opta stats, Pickford has made only two errors leading to goals in 93 appearances, with 46 clean sheets and a 74% save ratio. Trafford's international career is in its infancy and, while former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Pickford remains Tuchel's undisputed first choice, he believes the head coach's recent strategy is a sensible one.