Thomas Tuchel to drop key England star for crunch Nations League clash against Spain

Trafford to start in goal for England against Spain in Nations League decider; Pickford dropped after three consecutive appearances.

Thomas Tuchel has decided to drop Jordan Pickford and hand the gloves to Leeds United goalkeeper Trafford for Sunday's Nations League clash against Spain in Madrid. Trafford will earn his fifth cap for the Three Lions, having made his debut in March 2026 during a friendly draw with Uruguay.

He started in the reverse fixture at the end of September when England lost 3-2, and also played in the 2-0 victory over Czech Republic.

Pickford has featured in England's past three fixtures, conceding just one goal during that run—in Thursday's 2-1 victory over Croatia. That win has set up a winner-takes-all encounter against the world champions. Should England win, they will finish top of Nations League Group A3 on goal difference, though they have already secured a place in the quarter-finals regardless of the result.

Tuchel praised Spain's quality ahead of the match, calling them "unbeatable" and describing the fixture as "the biggest test in world football for national teams at the moment." The, former England manager expressed confidence in his side's chances, saying they are in a good moment to push their limits against the European Championship and World Cup winners.