Congratulations James: Trafford set for senior England debut
Congratulations James: Trafford set for senior England debut Manchester City’s James Trafford is set to earn his first-ever senior England cap during this evening’s friendly with Uruguay. The 23-year-old goalkeeper has been named in the starting line-up for the Wembley clash by Thomas Tuchel. In the process, Trafford will become the latest graduate from City’s famed Academy to be afforded a full international debut.
A maiden Three Lions appearance will also complete the full set of international honours for the Cumbrian who has been capped by England at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level. Trafford has already shone on the international stage, having helped England’s Under-21s to glory at the 2023 European Under-21 Championships where he didn’t concede a goal in the tournament. Furthermore, his dramatic injury time penalty save helped the Young Lions beat Spain 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Trafford was first called into the senior squad in March 2024 and was also named in Tuchel’s squad for September, October and November’s internationals but without featuring. Having made a return to City from Burnley in the summer of 2025, this latest landmark achievement further builds on what has been a memorable season to date after he helped Pep Guardiola’s side to the Carabao Cup triumph five days ago. In representing the Three Lions tonight, the ‘keeper also became the 35th different player to earn their first England cap whilst a Manchester City player and the 55th City representative overall.
Everyone at Manchester City send their congratulations to James ahead of this memorable achievement.