Jordan Pickford is set to return to the England starting lineup for Saturday’s Nations League match against Croatia, reclaiming his position after manager Thomas Tuchel opted for a period of rotation. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who has been England’s primary starter since the 2018 World Cup, watched from the bench as James Trafford started the previous two fixtures against Spain and the Czech Republic.
The decision to start Trafford in those matches was part of a deliberate strategy by Tuchel to test the squad’s depth and evaluate alternative options against high-caliber opponents. Trafford, who completed a move to Leeds United during the 2026 summer transfer window, represents the first significant challenge to Pickford’s eight-year tenure as the undisputed number one.
Despite the increased competition, Pickford has expressed a desire to maintain his role for the long term. He recently noted that he has no plans to retire from international duty, pointing out that goalkeepers can often perform at the elite level until age 40.
The match at Stadion HNK Rijeka on October 3 carries significant historical weight for the national team. England currently holds a streak of eight consecutive competitive away wins. A victory against Croatia would equal the record of nine straight away wins set under Sir Alf Ramsey between 1965 and 1967.
The environment for this potential milestone will be unusual, as the game will be played behind closed doors. This is the result of a UEFA sanction imposed following crowd disturbances and the use of fireworks during a match against France in March 2025.
Tuchel’s squad for this window has seen some minor adjustments beyond the goalkeeping rotation.
England previously faced Croatia in the group stages of the 2026 World Cup, securing a 4-2 victory. As the team transitions into this new era under Tuchel, the focus remains on defensive stability. While Trafford’s recent starts provided a glimpse into the future of England’s goalkeeping options, Pickford’s expected start on Saturday signals that the veteran remains the preferred choice for high-stakes competitive fixtures.
