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James Trafford’s first England start against Spain has brought fresh attention to the competition for the goalkeeper’s place. The 23-year-old Leeds United player, making only his third international appearance, produced two important saves as Spain dominated the opening stages at Wembley. England recovered to lead 2-1 at half-time, but lost their Nations League opener 3-2. Harry Kane missed a penalty early in the second half that would have extended England’s lead. Manager Thomas Tuchel has said Trafford will also start against Czechia in Prague on Tuesday, giving him another chance to make his case.

Trafford’s opportunity follows an unsettled spell at Manchester City. He returned to his former club from Burnley last summer with hopes of becoming first choice, but Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival soon changed his role. Trafford nevertheless played throughout City’s successful Carabao Cup and FA Cup campaigns, keeping clean sheets in both finals. He has since moved to Leeds, where his early Premier League form has strengthened his claim for England selection. Jordan Pickford remains the established goalkeeper, with 91 caps and 47 clean sheets, and Tuchel plans to bring him back for the later matches against Croatia and Czechia. Trafford’s selection does, however, give Tuchel a closer look at an alternative.

Tuchel faces decisions throughout the squad during a demanding run of four Nations League fixtures. After Saturday’s defeat, England travel to Prague, then to Rijeka to face Croatia, before returning to Wembley for another meeting with Czechia. Tuchel wants his players to approach each match at full intensity and says he will not negotiate their playing time with club managers. He acknowledged that some rotation may prove necessary, while indicating that he would prefer to retain a substantial core of starters. Declan Rice was left out of the squad because of his workload and fitness concerns.

Jude Bellingham is among the players whose minutes Tuchel will have to assess. Against Spain, he created five chances, set up Anthony Gordon’s equaliser and won the penalty Kane missed. Tuchel praised the energy that defines Bellingham’s game but said England’s medical staff would assess whether he could sustain it across the remaining fixtures without undue risk. The defeat has raised the stakes for Tuesday’s match, though Tuchel has made clear that England intend to pursue a win in Prague.

Where outlets differ

Source 1 concentrates on Trafford’s performance, his club career and the possibility of stronger competition for Pickford’s place. It also questions aspects of Pickford’s World Cup performances; Source 2 does not assess the goalkeepers in that way.

Source 2 concentrates on Tuchel’s approach to the congested schedule, club requests over playing time, Rice’s absence and Bellingham’s fitness. Source 1 gives those issues little attention.

• www.theguardian.com
• www.theguardian.com