James Trafford starts in goal for England in Nations League match against Spain

James Trafford on the training pitchplaceholder image
James Trafford on the training pitch

The world champions were the opposition at Wembley on Saturday night.

James Trafford was handed a surprise start as England began their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley.

The Leeds goalkeeper was picked in front of long-standing number one Jordan Pickford as Thomas Tuchel named his first starting XI since the World Cup.

Jarell Quansah started at right-back ahead of the returning Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was named on the bench.

The rest of the side had a familiar feel as the majority of Tuchel’s World Cup regulars started.

Harry Kane led the side in attack, with Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka playing behind him.

Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly stepped in for his injured club team-mate Declan Rice alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield.

Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa were paired in central defence, with Nico O’Reilly starting at left-back.

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