Pickford returns for Rijeka Nations League tie as Trafford presses for England spot
Jordan Pickford will start for England against Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday in a Nations League fixture, but his place is under growing pressure from James Trafford after Trafford began England’s Group A3 campaign. The match in Rijeka comes as Pickford prepares to win his 92nd cap while Trafford looks to build on strong displays in the opening two games.
England’s meeting with Luka Modric’s Croatia in Rijeka evokes a fixture last played 20 years ago when Croatia, then managed by Slaven Bilic, won 2-0 in Zagreb; that earlier game is remembered for Paul Robinson’s high-profile error, after which he made 10 more appearances but, following another mistake in October 2007, never played for England again. The article frames goalkeepers as operating under delicate scrutiny, citing Joe Hart’s sharp decline and noting Pickford has faced real pressure for the first time since becoming No 1 before the 2018 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has split goalkeeping duties during this international window, giving Trafford the starts against Spain and Czechia in Group A3 to test him against top opponents, while Pickford returns for Saturday’s game and is due to continue when England close the camp by hosting Czechia on Tuesday. Tuchel said Pickford has done nothing wrong, explaining the rotation as a deliberate choice to evaluate options against elite opposition.
Pickford’s record for England includes helping the side reach two major finals and decisive shootout performances against Colombia and Switzerland; he will earn his 92nd cap against Croatia, has broken Peter Shilton’s record for England appearances at the World Cup, and made what was described as the save of the 2025-26 Premier League season to push a Sandro Tonali volley over during Everton’s win against Newcastle last February.
The case against Pickford rests on a series of recent lapses: he was described as wobbly in possession last summer, was beaten too easily for a goal in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia in the opening game, conceded Brian Ciupenga’s strike for the Democratic Republic of the Congo at his near post, and allowed Andreas Schjelderup’s cross to sail in against Norway. The counterpoint is that he excelled against Mexico, though his display in the semi-final defeat by Argentina drew criticism after Enzo Fernández’s fourth attempt drew Argentina level and cameras captured Jude Bellingham appearing to say the shot was “in the middle of the goal.”
“I tried to scan for the ball,” Pickford said. “There were a lot of bodies in front. He’s got a free touch and shot. It just went away from me. The balls were moving fast over there. “You know if you could have done better. There’s always going to be questions but I think if you’re not a goalkeeping expert then you won’t know what you’re talking about. If I stood three yards to the right and Fernández passes it in low left, you’re going to get questioned no matter what.” He also undertook a three-hour session with his mind-work coach on Thursday night and accepts the challenge posed by Trafford after previously standing down for Dean Henderson in the bronze medal match against France.
Tuchel noted the growing tactical importance of goalkeepers, saying “This is a big strength of Jordan because he has a wide range,” while also appearing at times exasperated with long distribution. Trafford attracted attention for an eye-of-the-needle pass to Lewis Hall during last Tuesday’s win over Czechia in Prague, illustrating the competition for the role. Selection questions remain elsewhere in the side — over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s right-back role and options in midfield with Declan Rice absent — with Tuchel asking, “Is Declan still a fix point in my team?” and adding, “Yes, but some other players are coming and impressing.”
Saturday’s fixture at Stadion HNK Rijeka, which holds 8,279, is officially to be played behind closed doors as punishment for racism during Croatia’s Nations League game against France last year, but it is expected to host around 100 England fans and between 5,000 and 6,000 local children. Modric, who scored in last week’s win over Czechia and came off the bench during Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat in Spain, will lead Croatia as England, currently second behind Spain after last weekend’s loss to the world champions, seek the levels they showed against Croatia at the World Cup.
The outcome in Rijeka will play a major role in whether England qualify for next year’s Nations League finals, and Pickford is slated to remain in goal when England conclude the camp by hosting Czechia on Tuesday, offering him an immediate opportunity to respond to the challenge posed by Trafford.
