Does Pickford finally face serious competition for his England place?

Does England's long-time first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford finally face serious competition for his place, asks chief football writer Phil McNulty. England head coach Thomas Tuchel used James Trafford (left) and long-time first choice Jordan Pickford (right) in the previous international break When England head coach Thomas Tuchel decided to pick Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford to face World Cup holders Spain at Wembley in the last international break, it sparked the first stirrings about preparations for life without long-time first choice Jordan Pickford. Tuchel made it clear Pickford was still England's number one pick, but the simple fact he decided to alternate keepers – playing Trafford in the 3-2 loss to Spain then victory against Czech Republic, before Everton's 32-year-old returned for the Wembley win against the Czechs and the 7-0 rout in Croatia – created intrigue and debate.

England meet Croatia at Wembley on Thursday before facing the biggest test of their Uefa Nations League campaign when the play Spain in Madrid on Sunday. Tuchel maintains strong faith in Pickford, an outstanding performer for England, but Trafford has at least had the chance to stake his claim. Tuchel has suggested he may use a rotation system for the pair once more in the upcoming internationals, which will only increase scrutiny on England's goalkeeping position. Pickford's record is outstanding since