James Trafford will be unhappy as Gabby Agbonlahor states why England won't axe Jordan Pickford - view

Manchester City's James Trafford has travelled to the 2026 World Cup with England, but there is very little hope of him actually playing.

With John Stones now a free agent, he joins Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly and now Elliot Anderson as Man City's only players in the squad this summer.

The goalkeeper position is an extremely difficult one at summer tournaments. Replacements are usually there for training and nothing else.

At least, that has been the case for the Three Lions over the last few years, with Jordan Pickford not missing a single game at a major tournament since the 2018 World Cup.

The Everton star has been a consistent figure for England, but now, his standards are starting to slip, and some are pushing for a change between the sticks.

Dean Henderson and Trafford are Thomas Tuchel's two other options, but Gabby Agbonlahor isn't sold on the idea of either taking the starting gloves.

Jordan Pickford unlikely to be dropped vs Mexico

Pickford is being blamed by some for DR Congo's opener in the round of 32, having also had some dangerous moments during the group stages as well.

Eyebrows have been raised over some of Pickford's goalkeeping at the 2026 World Cup, even sparking questions about potentially dropping him.

On talkSPORT, Andy Goldstein asked exactly that question, suggesting that Everton's No.1 could be axed by Tuchel against Mexico on Monday, 6 July.

Agbonlahor very quickly replied: "No. No, there's not a good enough backup, I don't think," but that could easily be seen as an insult to Trafford.

While Trafford played second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma last season, the Man City shot-stopper showed how seamlessly he slips back into the lineup.

What does the future hold for James Trafford?

It would be totally understandable were Trafford to be furious with his 2025-26 campaign, having appeared to be promised the starting spot.

Within days, however, he had been bumped down the pecking order by one of the best goalkeeper's in the world, making just 17 appearances in all competitions.

Football Insider understands that Newcastle United are in pole position for Trafford's signature, but nothing is certain, with multiple clubs interested.

More game certainly could have persuaded Tuchel to make a change, but to suggest that the City man simply isn't "good enough" is insulting.