Man City goalkeeper James Trafford sets his sights on playing for England
Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford has set his sights on playing Champions League football and representing England…while insisting he can reach the top after a flourishing loan spell at Bolton
- James Trafford played on loan at Bolton Wanderers in League One last season
- He has thrived for the club and is very confident about his future in the game
- Trafford wants to go on and play in the Champions League and for England
James Trafford has made a late run to become England’s number 1 at the Under-21 European Championship but believes he will finish on much bigger podiums, writes Jack Gaughan.
Trafford spent last season on loan at Bolton in League One, with parent club Manchester City approving another step up the divisions next year.
The 20-year-old took over Joe Bursik as first-choice from Lee Carsley in March as the Under-21s kicked off their European Championship against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
“My long-term goal is to play in the Champions League and for England,” said Trafford.
“If you want to play in the Champions League, you have to be in the top four teams in England.
Man City goalkeeper James Trafford (above) had a fine season on loan at Bolton Wanderers
He looks set to become England’s No. 1 at the Under-21 European Championship this summer and believes he is good enough to play for the senior national team in the future.
“Whether it’s Manchester City or another big club, I believe I will be at that level. If I get the chance, I could perform.”
Bursik had played most qualifying matches until he left Stoke for Club Brugge in January. He has not played a game since and is not part of this England squad, while Trafford flourished at Bolton.
“The most important thing for goalkeepers is to play and if you don’t play it’s very tough,” Trafford added. Next season I will play every week. I can’t sit on the couch.’