Pickford says Tuchel benched him to look at Trafford: 'I've done nothing wrong'

England's long-time No. 1 says his omission for the Nations League games against Spain and the Czech Republic was about giving James Trafford a look, not poor form.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has addressed his omission from the starting lineup after Thomas Tuchel left him out of the XI for the Nations League fixtures against Spain and the Czech Republic. The move drew attention because Pickford has held the national team's No. 1 shirt for years, and a manager dropping an established starter without clear cause is rare.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Pickford relayed a straightforward explanation from the manager. "He said I've done nothing wrong. New competition after the World Cup; he wanted to give Trafford a go to see how he is," Pickford said. The goalkeeper getting the opportunity is James Trafford, who Pickford noted has started well at Leeds United.

Pickford cast the switch as the creation of genuine competition for his place rather than a verdict on his form, and described it as "great." "He's the manager, a top manager, and you've got to respect that," he said. He said the challenge now turns inward: "What do I need to do more? How can I keep pushing my boundaries and break that ceiling again? That's what I love to do, that's why I love football."

The 32-year-old insisted he will not be watching his back. "I won't be looking over my shoulder; I'll be focusing on myself, how I can improve, how I can keep developing," Pickford said. "I think that's what every 'keeper would do, and as long as I focus on me, I'll keep improving."

Competition is familiar ground for the keeper. Pickford named Joe Hart and Jack Butland among those who have pushed him across his England career, and noted the country has consistently produced goalkeepers playing in the Premier League. The task, in his view, is to concentrate on being the best version of himself.

Pickford's international record remains extensive. He has won 91 caps for his country, and this summer he became England's record appearance-maker at World Cups when he logged his 19th game in the tournament — numbers that made this omission stand out.

At 32, Pickford is at an age at which goalkeepers often last longer than outfield players, provided standards and concentration hold up. His next milestone is already in view. "There's not many people who've got 100 caps, so that's my first ambition," he said. He added that he wants to keep playing at World Cups, European Championships and other major tournaments, and that the hard work never stops.

The goalkeeping picture may settle quickly. The report expects Pickford to return against Croatia once Trafford's two-match trial in this international window concludes, with England looking for a settled first choice in goal before the next major tournament.

England's next scheduled fixture is Czechia at England on Tuesday, October 6 at 2:45 PM EDT, taking place at Wembley Stadium.