Former Bolton Wanderers loanee James Trafford is set to be called up to the England senior team by Gareth Southgate, as confirmed via the Daily Mail.
The shot-stopper wasn’t originally selected by the Three Lions first-team but is now set to be called into the squad ahead of their friendly against Belgium on Tuesday evening.
Who is missing out?
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has sustained a minor injury and has returned to the Premier League side which has left a gap that has now been filled by Trafford.
Johnstone’s injury isn’t thought to be serious, but just like Harry Kane, he has returned to his club for treatment ahead of their Premier League clash against relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest.
Was it deserved?
Trafford was recently dropped by Burnley as their number one despite being the only player to have played every minute in the Premier League so far this season.
However, the 21-year-old has been a regular feature in the England youth teams as well as earning silverware during the early stages of his career, allowing him to bring his knowledge of international football into the Three Lions camp ahead of Tuesday’s game.
From League One to the international stage
During the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, Trafford was on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Premier League giants Manchester City and caught the eye of several clubs following his impressive individual performances between the sticks.
Trafford made a total of 74 appearances for Ian Evatt’s side, keeping 33 clean sheets in the process as the club continue their fight towards a Championship return. These performances matched with his international record saw Burnley pay roughly £17 million for him last summer and now he could be in line to earn his first cap for the Three Lions first-team ahead of a difficult match against Belgium.
The Three Lions were defeated by Brazil at Wembley Stadium on Saturday after conceding late on and will be hopeful of ending the international break with a victory.