England looking in safe hands
A look at the England goalkeeping situation with Trafford and Ramsdale on the move
Significant movement this week for English goalkeepers: James Trafford sold back to Manchester City, Aaron Ramsdale loaned to Newcastle United and Nick Pope linked with a switch to Manchester United. Time and form will tell whether it affects the current jockeying for positions to be England’s third-choice keeper at the World Cup. It certainly adds intrigue to a fascinating season in store.
Judging from the last six internationals, four under Thomas Tuchel and two under interim head coach Lee Carsley, England’s chosen trio are the undisputed No 1 Jordan Pickford, who has never let England down in 76 appearances, the undisputed No 2 Dean Henderson, following his excellence for Crystal Palace, and No 3 the uncapped, very promising Trafford.
Let’s also celebrate the development work of Carlisle United where Henderson (2005-11) and Trafford (2011-2015) started out. And their parents’ influence. Henderson’s mum and dad would go out into their Whitehaven cul de sac and lob balls up for the young Henderson to practise catching crosses. Inbetween driving a tractor on the family farm near Cockermouth, Trafford would practise in the fields, also playing outfield. England owe a debt to Cumbria - as well as to Wearside for Pickford.