According to The Daily Telegraph, Jordan Pickford's eight-year reign as England's first-choice goalkeeper is facing its sternest test yet with the rise of James Trafford. Coach Thomas Tuchel plans to rotate between the two during this international break, with Trafford starting against Czech Republic on Tuesday night and Pickford playing the full match against Croatia.

Looking back to when English players shared hotel rooms, fierce rivals in the same position coexisted for decades. Ron Greenwood had two world-class goalkeepers to choose from and chose to rotate them in each match rather than appoint an undisputed starter.

As a result, Peter Shilton and Ray Clemence were roommates, friends, and rivals until the 1982 World Cup. This "rotation" system has not been seen again in the four decades since, but with Trafford becoming a serious contender for Pickford's number one shirt, it may now be possible once more.

During this extended international break, Thomas Tuchel's plan is for Trafford to play two matches, including Tuesday's match in Prague, while Pickford will start against Croatia this weekend and the away match against Czech Republic next week.

Shilton and Clemence never allowed their rivalry to damage their friendship, and early signs suggest that Trafford and Pickford can get along equally well. Trafford said: "Pickford and I are both Northern lads. We get on well, and the reality of football is that everyone is competing for the starting position."

Pickford himself has jokingly referred to it as the "goalkeepers' union" and has never hidden the fact that other goalkeepers have pushed him during his eight years as England's number one.

But at this stage of his career, at 32 years old and just nine matches short of 100 caps, this is the closest he has come to losing his starting position.

At club level, Dean Henderson enjoyed an impressive season at Crystal Palace and was given a chance to play in a chaotic third-place playoff against France. He is currently injured, but Trafford's move to Leeds United over the summer has opened the door for him to make an impression on Tuchel.

Trafford has been highly regarded within the England setup since his time at Manchester City's academy, even when he was loaned out to play in League Two for Accrington Stanley and Bolton. He was considered England's future number one, and some believed he would have been called up sooner had his path back to the Premier League after Burnley's Championship promotion last season gone more smoothly.

Newcastle wanted to make him their number one, but they were not quick enough to sign him. When Ederson decided to leave Etihad, Manchester City exercised their buyback clause, and Trafford was expected to get regular playing time. However, Donnarumma's arrival complicated matters, and after the Italian goalkeeper was brought in, Trafford's appearances were limited to cup games.

Reflecting on last season, Trafford said: "I won two trophies. Of course, things didn't go exactly as planned, but looking back, I played in every match and won two trophies, so you always look on the bright side and play the hand you're dealt."

Tuchel and his goalkeeper coach Enrique Hilario will also consider the chemistry within the goalkeeper group when making decisions. In the past, both at club and international level, there have been cases where second or third-choice goalkeepers have tried to make an impression in training, putting the number one in a difficult position.

But that is not the case with England. Aaron Ramsdale was an excellent squad member at the 2022 World Cup, providing support while simultaneously creating competition and pushing Pickford to improve. Similarly, this summer, as Pickford, Trafford, and Dean Henderson work together, Jason Steele, who has not played in the Premier League for two years, has been an important part of the squad as a training goalkeeper. This time he has earned a full official position.

Trafford's strengths include excellent ball-playing ability with his feet, as demonstrated last Saturday against Spain when he played a pass between two opponents with his first touch. Though he did lose possession once in the second half, this is a risk that ball-playing goalkeepers must face.

Pickford has been instrumental in building England's attacking play through his long passing range, often sending the ball directly over the defense to the forwards. He also just had one of his best seasons at Everton, with a highlight being a save from Sandro Tonali against Newcastle.

His save against Mexico at Estadio Azteca is also a highlight of his England career, but now with Trafford pushing hard, he needs to fight to reach 100 caps. If the two "rotate" between now and the next European Championship, it would give him the chance to join the 100-cap club.

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