“No, he is. But nothing has changed,” Tuchel told reporters on Monday when asked whether Pickford had been overtaken.
“The competition is on there as well, like for the outfield players.”
Trafford has started two of England’s last four fixtures, including the recent defeat in Spain, while Pickford took the gloves for a 7-0 rout of Croatia, according to beIN Sports.
Why Trafford had the stage
Leeds United signed the 23-year-old from Manchester City in August for a club-record fee, a deal that made him the most expensive British goalkeeper in history. He has repaid the outlay with the best save percentage in the Premier League this season at 82.2%, on 37 saves and eight goals conceded.
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Pickford’s own numbers are quieter but just as persuasive. The Everton goalkeeper has made only one error leading to a shot in the Premier League this season, and none that led to a goal.
Pickford’s response sealed it
Tuchel explained that regular starts are what Trafford needed, and that the Nations League window is the only realistic chance to see a second option against top opposition. Pickford had been told as much, and had agreed.
The clincher, Tuchel said, was the Everton goalkeeper’s reaction when the plan was put to him.
“I was very impressed and a bit surprised by his reaction when we spoke to him. He said, ‘Yeah, let’s do this, Traff deserves it and I will push him.’ And he didn’t change at all.”
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Quarter-final place within reach
England face Croatia at Wembley on Thursday knowing that avoiding defeat is enough to secure a Nations League quarter-final place from second in Group C. Kick-off is at 7:45pm local time. The group then ends in Madrid on Sunday against Spain.
Tuchel has not named his starting goalkeeper for either match.
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