Leeds man in ‘pole position’ to replace former Sunderland player

Former Sunderland player and local hero Jordan Pickford is England's unquestioned number one, but James Trafford is in 'pole position' to eventually succeed him.

That's according to former Newcastle United star keeper Shaka Hislop, who has been speaking about the battle for the England number 1 berth.

Hislop, speaking to the Sunderland Echo thanks to Gambler Media, opened up on new Leeds United signing Trafford and his expectations for the shot-stopper.

"Jordan Pickford is the unquestioned number one for England but Trafford, right now, is in pole position to succeed him," Hislop said.

"I think that's clearly less to do with the minutes he's played, and it's more about the fact that there aren't many British goalkeepers playing, or English goalkeepers in this case, playing in the Premier League.

"Certainly a lack of British keepers playing in the first teams across the board, and getting minutes. Trafford has proven himself to be a good goalkeeper. He needs that opportunity to play consistently, not just to make his mark, but also to improve. That's part of improving; you've got to play consistently.

"I do understand the move to Leeds, and I think it was the right thing for him because, again, I don't think he would have seen any meaningful time behind Donnarumma."

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