Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inJonathan VealFriday 02 October 2026 18:10 BSTThomas Tuchel says early red card has 'heavy influence in the game' after England defeats Czech RepublicJordan Pickford insists his best years as England's goalkeeper are still ahead of him, despite facing competition for his starting spot from James Trafford.Manager Thomas Tuchel left the Everton goalkeeper out of recent Nations League matches against Spain and Czechia to give Trafford a chance to play.Pickford will be restored to the starting line-up for upcoming fixtures against Croatia and the return match against Czechia.The 32-year-old embraced a supportive leadership role from the bench, maintaining that he remains focused on continuous self-improvement.Pickford has been England's established first-choice goalkeeper since prior to the 2018 World Cup and aims to keep playing at the highest level.In fullJordan Pickford defiant amid threat to England No 1 spot: ‘I’m only getting better’More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in