James Trafford has faced some uncomfortable questions for the first time as a Leeds United player, on the back of his £40 million ($53m) transfer from Manchester City, but Matt Kilgallon has told GOAL why the England international can be likened to David Seaman and Jordan Pickford. The 24-year-old shot-stopper has become a record-shattering addition at Elland Road.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has addressed his recent spell on the sidelines for England, insisting that he welcomes the increased pressure for the number one jersey. The veteran shot-stopper, who has been a mainstay for the Three Lions across five major tournaments, found himself on the bench as Thomas Tuchel handed opportunities to Leeds United star James Trafford during the recent international break.
James Trafford has admitted he is relishing the challenge of competing for the England number one spot as he settles into life as a regular starter with Leeds United. The young shot-stopper was handed a high-profile start against Spain by Thomas Tuchel, signalling a potential shift in the Three Lions' goalkeeping hierarchy.
England goalkeeper James Trafford praised the team's bravery and intensity following a 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain at Wembley. The 23-year-old stopper insisted there is little difference in quality between Thomas Tuchel's side and the world champions.
Manchester City have agreed a bargain €2m deal with Marseille to sign goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli as a direct replacement for James Trafford. The 34-year-old Argentina international returns to the Etihad Stadium a decade after his first spell with the club, providing experienced cover following Trafford's £45m departure to Premier League rivals Leeds.
James Trafford has completed his £45 million ($61m) transfer from Manchester City to Leeds, with Graham Stack telling GOAL why that deal makes sense despite the England hopeful “playing less and moving for more money”. The highly-rated 23-year-old goalkeeper has been on the move, with sizable fees changing hands, in three of the last four summer windows.
Leeds United have opened negotiations with Manchester City over a permanent move for highly-rated goalkeeper James Trafford. The England international is reportedly leaning towards a move to Elland Road after a difficult season acting as an understudy at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle United appear to have stepped back from their pursuit of James Trafford as the goalkeeper begins his post-World Cup holiday. Despite long-standing interest in the former Burnley man, the Magpies are now hesitant to meet Manchester City's substantial financial demands to secure his services this summer.
And so the wait goes on. England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday means their quest for a first international trophy since 1966 will stretch into a seventh decade. The hope is that drought will come to an end in two years' time when the Three Lions co-host the 2028 European Championship, but will England ever again reach a World Cup final, never mind lift the most famous trophy in the sport?
It’s time for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup, which means it’s time for penalty shootout drama. Generally, England have a terrible reputation when it comes to spot-kicks, winning just four of the 11 shootouts they’ve participated in. But the signs suggest the tide is turning, with three of those wins coming in their last four.
Newcastle United have revived their interest in Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford as part of an aggressive overhaul of Eddie Howe's goalkeeping options. The Magpies had missed out on the England international last summer, but his limited game time at the Etihad Stadium has now reopened the door for a potential switch.
Kobbie Mainoo continues to establish himself as one of the most technically gifted players in the England setup, even leaving his teammates in awe during training. The Manchester United midfielder has been singled out for his incredible close control as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepares for World Cup action in the United States.
And there we have it. The 2025-26 European football season is in the books, capped by Paris Saint-Germain beating Arsenal in the Champions League final to defend their continental crown. Soon the past nine months or so will become distant memories, such is the speed at which the footballing world moves on, especially when major tournaments on the horizon.
Alisson has been generating surprising exit talk at Liverpool, with Brad Friedel telling GOAL why the Brazilian may be a bigger loss for the Reds than Mohamed Salah - as potential goalkeeping replacements are discussed. World Cup winner Emi Martinez is considered to be the kind of character that Arne Slot would require at Anfield if a new No.1 needs to be found.
As the 2025-26 Premier League season draws to a close, it's time to look back on what has been a campaign full of twists and turns. Arsenal eventually saw off the challenge of Manchester City to secure the title, but European places and the final berth in the relegation zone are still to be decided into the final day.
