- James Trafford is in England’s World Cup squad
- He will be second choice behind Jordan Pickford
- Not starting for Man City may have cost him
James Trafford is happy to be at his first World Cup, but he feels things could have been different if he played more for Manchester City.
When Trafford returned to his boyhood club last summer, it seemed like the move which could completely transform his career.
The goalkeeper did well at Burnley, but making it as an international star would be difficult while playing his football at Turf Moor.
However, Trafford’s move to Man City has not gone as planned, because the club signed Ginaluigi Donnarumma.
Since his arrival, the Italian has made 43 appearances, while Trafford has rarely featured in the Premier League.
James Trafford laments his limited role at Man City
Speaking to The Standard, Trafford explained that playing for England’s most successful club in recent years does not guarantee him starts for the Three Lions.
Additionally, the fact Donnarumma took the number one spot at City has hindered his chances of moving above Jordan Pickford in the pecking order.
“When I did move, if I had become England’s number one for the tournament, it would have been brilliant,” he said. “I’d have been very happy, but obviously I didn’t.
They obviously ended up signing Gigi, and I didn’t play the majority of the games, and that’s football.”
Trafford will be supporting from the bench
There is nothing wrong with Trafford being frustrated, and it is important to give the full context of his comments.
Because the 23-year-old has revealed that regardless of whether he plays or not, he is going to be backing his teammates.
“No one’s an idiot. The whole goal is to win the World Cup, so everyone is going to do their best to try and win the World Cup,” he continued.
“Whether that’s you play every single minute or don’t play a minute, everyone is here to support each other to win the World Cup, because what a massive achievement it is to win the World Cup.
“It only happens every four years. That means everyone pushing towards the same goal.”
Will Trafford start for England?
Trafford has shown how capable he is in goal, especially when it comes to the big occasions. He kept clean sheets in both domestic cup finals, making some very good saves in the game against Arsenal.
However, Pickford is going to start all the important matches, and if there is any rotation, it is likely to be Dean Henderson who plays.
So ultimately, this World Cup has come around too early for Trafford. On the plus side, his current age means he should have plenty of major tournaments to come in the future.
