James Trafford sends three-word message after England Under-21s heroics
England made it back-to-back Under-21 European Championship victories without the heroics of James Trafford being required.
Trafford proved to be the Young Lions’ hero in 2023 when he saved an injury-time penalty from Spain’s Abel Ruiz in the decider, meaning Curtis Jones‘ goal was enough to win the Under-21 Euros for England.
The 22-year-old’s career has since risen further, with a difficult first season at Burnley followed up by a record-breaking campaign which saw Trafford keep 29 clean sheets in the Clarets’ charge to promotion.
Gareth Southgate, Lee Carsley and Thomas Tuchel have all called Trafford up for England’s senior team, but he is still waiting for his first England cap at a time when he is the subject of strong Premier League interest from Newcastle.
Trafford ‘loves it’ as England Under-21s make history
Newcastle are increasingly confident that they’ll be able to secure a deal for Trafford this summer after Football Insider revealed on 31 May that the Magpies are willing to “overpay” to force the move through.
Trafford’s namesake James Beadle is also highly sought after following his performances in the Under-21 Euros and for Sheffield Wednesday last season, but he couldn’t replicate a clean sheet in the decider.
Carsley’s England side edged Germany 3-2 after extra time on Saturday after early goals from Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson, with Jonathan Rowe coming of the bench to score the winner in Slovakia.
The full-time whistle sounded to secure back-to-back Under-21 Euros titles for the Young Lions, and Trafford took to Instagram (28 June) to share a simple message of: “Love it lads”.
Newcastle race to complete Trafford transfer
Football Insider Verdict
The new financial calendar year is just days away for Premier League clubs, and this is set to spark the likes of Newcastle into action as they line up a triple bid for Trafford, Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro.
Newcastle saw an offer of £15million for Trafford rejected last summer despite Burnley’s relegation to the Championship, and there’s little doubt that valuation will have at least doubled after his recent exploits.
Trafford could join Under-21 European Champion Tino Livramento at St. James’ Park, and with his team-mate CJ Egan-Riley departing Burnley to join Strasbourg, the future England number one could soon trade Turf Moor for pastures new.