​England head coach Thomas Tuchel used James Trafford (left) and long-time first choice Jordan Pickford (right) in the previous international break [Getty Images]When England head coach Thomas Tuchel decided to pick Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford to face World Cup holders Spain at Wembley in the last international break, it sparked the first stirrings about preparations for life without long-time first choice Jordan Pickford.Tuchel made it clear Pickford was still England’s number one pick, but the simple fact he decided to alternate keepers – playing Trafford in the 3-2 loss to Spain then victory against Czech Republic, before Everton’s 32-year-old returned for the Wembley win against the Czechs and the 7-0 rout in Croatia – created intrigue and debate.England meet Croatia at Wembley on Thursday before facing the biggest test of their Uefa Nations League campaign when the play Spain in Madrid on Sunday.Tuchel maintains strong faith in Pickford, an outstanding performer for England, but Trafford has at least had the chance to stake his claim.Tuchel has suggested he may use a rotation system for the pair once more in the upcoming internationals, which will only increase scrutiny on England’s goalkeeping position.’Pickford has to be at the top of his game’Pickford’s record is outstanding since he made his debut in a 0-0 draw against Germany at Wembley in 2017.In his time as first choice, England have once more emerged as major players on global stage, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and 2026, as well as successive Euros finals at the delayed 2020 tournament and Euro 2024.Measured by Opta stats, Pickford has made only two errors leading to goals in 93 appearances, with 46 clean sheets and a 74% save ratio.Trafford’s international career is in its infancy and, while former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson says Pickford remains Tuchel’s undisputed first choice, he believes the head coach’s recent strategy is a sensible one.Robinson told BBC Sport: “It obviously remains to be seen what Thomas Tuchel does in these two England games, but I could see exactly what he was doing by giving James Trafford game time in the last round of matches.”We are so guilty as a nation of taking one goalkeeper to a tournament who has 70, 80, 90 caps, then the two of three below him could have less than double figures combined.”Robinson’s point is proved by the statistic that 80 of Pickford’s appearances have been competitive games, with 33 at major tournaments, made up of 19 at the World Cup and 14 at European Championships.”Competitive and tournament caps give you the type of experience you can’t get as a number two or three keeper,” said Robinson.”James Trafford is only 24 and has four caps – two of them competitive – so you can see exactly what Tuchel is doing, looking ahead to a situation where England’s recognised number one is not available to him, or there is a drop off in form.”We saw the last selections and all thought Jordan Pickford’s place is