Micah Richards believes a two-cap England star deserves to play more (Photo: Getty) Micah Richards believes the time has come for one England star to be dropped after nearly a decade as a key player for the Three Lions. In their first match since falling short at the World Cup, England kick-off their Nations League fixtures against Spain on Saturday. Thomas Tuchel will almost certainly field as strong a line-up as possible against the world and European champions at Wembley, while dealing with a number of players pulling out of the squad through injury. A successful Nations League campaign would be a real statement of intent from the Three Lions ahead of Euro 2028, but Richards believes Tuchel should drop Jordan Pickford in order to test out up and coming goalkeeper James Trafford. Less football on the telly? Read about it instead Our exclusive football newsletter cuts through the noise to deliver analysis and gossip straight to your inbox every week. Sign up now for free. ‘I would go with Trafford,’ the former England and Manchester City defender told the Rest is Football. ‘Not because Pickford’s done anything wrong, I’m just thinking two years from now. Trafford started really well at Leeds and if you want to look for a new team, you’ve got to give people an opportunity, haven’t you? ‘Although do you put him in against Spain, against world champions and then, if they were to win the game, knock his confidence? So, that’s a difficult decision. Jordan Pickford has won 91 caps for England – Peter Shilton is the only goalkeeper with more (Photo: Getty) ‘Maybe wait till after Spain but I would go with Trafford going forward just to see what he can do.’ For this extended international break, Tuchel called up Pickford, Trafford and Brighton back-up keeper Jason Steele, with Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson sidelined with injury. Pickford has been England’s No.1 since his heroics at the 2018 World Cup, going on to help his country reach the final of two European championships. BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Jason Steele, James Trafford and Jordan Pickford of England look on during a training session at St Georges Park on September 24, 2026 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images) But the 91-cap international came under scrutiny for his performances at the last World Cup, as while he made some big saves, he was also beaten far too easily on a number of occasions. The Everton star will be 34 when Euro 2028 starts and if Trafford develops as expected, there will be calls for a switch in between the sticks. ‘I think Trafford’s probably the future,’ England legend Gary Lineker added. POLL Poll Who should start in goal for England? Jordan PickfordCheck James TraffordCheck Jason SteeleCheck Insight that cuts through the mountain of noise. Get expert analysis and fresh perspectives on the football stories that really matter. Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy ‘He’s got composure and a confidence that I like a lot.’ Trafford made his senior England debut in March and has long been tipped for a bright future, notably saving a last minute penalty in the final of the European Under-21 Championship three years ago. The 23-year-old helped Man City win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season before making a £40million transfer to Elland Road over the summer. He’s played a key role in Leeds’ unbeaten start to the campaign, keeping three clean sheets and conceding just three goals in six games so far. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source