Thomas Tuchel has named Jordan Pickford, James Trafford and Jason Steele as England’s three goalkeepers in November’s UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain as the battle for the number one shirt is more open than it has been in years.
Pickford remains England’s most experienced goalkeeper, but Trafford has started two of England’s four Nations League games this autumn, while Steele earns a small place in the squad to his name. For the full history of the position, from the first international game in 1872 to the present day, see our England goalkeepers’ all-time records and statistics.
Basic facts
- Currently the goalkeepers of the England national team: Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Leeds United), Jason Steele (Brighton)
- More than three: Pickford, with 93 games
- Next matches: England v Croatia, Wembley, Thursday, November 12; Spain v England, Metropolitano Stadium, Madrid, Sunday 15 November
- This squad does not include: Dean Henderson, part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad
- All-time record: Peter Shilton, 125 games and 66 clean sheets
England goalkeepers for Croatia and Spain
Jordan Pickford
Everton
93
England teams
Number one at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups and second only to Shilton for England.
James Trafford
Leeds United
4
England teams
He made his debut against Uruguay in March 2026, then started the Nations League games against Spain and the Czech Republic in September.
Jason Steele
Brighton & Hove Albion
0
England teams
No cover on the upper levels, which is referred to as the third choice option for this campsite.
Capital letters are correct until October 6, 2026.
Is Jordan Pickford still England’s number one?
For now, yes, but the gap has narrowed. Pickford was first choice for the 2026 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals before losing to Argentina, and he has been an established number one since the 2018 tournament in Russia. 93 caps put him in the group of England goalkeepers selected in over 70 caps, along with Shilton, Gordon Banks, David Seaman and Joe Hart.
Tuchel’s first Nations League team selection of the season told a different story. Trafford made a surprise start against Spain at Wembley on 26 September, as England lost 3–2, before saving his place for a 2–0 win in Prague three days later. Pickford bounced back for 7-0 wins over Croatia and 3-0 over the Czech Republic, keeping clean sheets in both.
James Trafford: opponent
Trafford’s rise came quickly. After returning to Manchester City from Burnley in the summer of 2025, he lost his place in the league side to Gianluigi Donnarumma, but started both cup finals as City beat Arsenal in the EFL Cup final and Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
He won his first England cap against Uruguay at Wembley in March 2026 and went to the World Cup as one of Tuchel’s three goalkeepers. A move to Leeds United in August 2026 gave him the regular first-team football his England ambitions need, and two Nations League starts suggest Tuchel sees him as a genuine option rather than a long-term deputy.
Where Steele and Henderson match up
The selection of Jason Steele gives Tuchel an experienced Premier League option, although he is the third-choice goalkeeper for this camp. Dean Henderson, who was part of the World Cup squad in the summer, misses out this time, leaving Steele as the only player in the trio.
How today’s goalkeepers compare to England’s greats
The table below sets the current squad against the benchmarks set by England’s most famous goalkeepers. The all-time figures come from Paul Yarden’s England goalkeeper records page, which lists every England goalkeeper with five or more caps.
At 93 caps, Pickford needs 33 more games to overtake Shilton, a target that would require him to remain first choice until his thirties.
As shown in our UEFA Nations League 2026/27 schedule, the matches between Croatia and Spain will determine England’s final position in League A Group 3, where they are second behind Spain. By qualifying for the quarter-finals, Tuchel could use the trip to Madrid to give Trafford another look and add a new chapter to the goalkeeping controversy that has raged throughout his tenure as England manager.
Frequently asked questions about current England goalkeepers
Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about England’s current goalkeepers.
Who are the goalkeepers of the English national team at the moment?
Thomas Tuchel’s November 2026 Nations League squad includes Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Leeds United) and Jason Steele (Brighton).
Who is England’s number one goalkeeper?
Although James Trafford will start two of England’s four Nations League games in September and October 2026, Jordan Pickford is still considered England’s number one choice for the 2026 World Cup.
How many jerseys does Jordan Pickford have?
Jordan Pickford has 93 caps for England until 6 October 2026, making him the most capped goalkeeper in the current squad.
Who is England’s most capped goalkeeper of all time?
Peter Shilton holds the record for England with 125 caps between 1970 and 1990 and is also the most capped player at 66.
Why is Dean Henderson not in the England team?
Dean Henderson was part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad but was not selected for the November 2026 Nations League matches, with Jason Steele selected as the third goalkeeper instead.