James Trafford Faces Competition As Manchester City Name Donnarumma First Choice In Goal

James Trafford is adjusting to an unexpected role as back-up at Manchester City, despite strong underlying numbers this season. Trafford has started 11 matches in all competitions, kept five clean sheets and, based on expected goals on target, has prevented three goals, a figure close to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 3.6 for City across domestic and European fixtures.

Those limited appearances leave Trafford unsure about selection for England’s World Cup squad, with competition intense. The goalkeeper said the decision will depend on performances rather than name recognition. "I haven't spoken to the [England staffabout] if that's enough, but I play as well as I can and train every day very hard and it's just down to me," he added.

Trafford returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer and initially looked set to replace Ederson as first-choice goalkeeper. Trafford began the Premier League campaign with three consecutive starts in August. During that spell, Trafford made a costly mistake in a defeat to Tottenham, yet overall numbers still show a positive contribution when compared with expected goals faced.

Manchester City’s plans changed when Ederson joined Fenerbahce, opening a senior vacancy. Rather than keep faith with Trafford as the clear number one, City moved for Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on a reduced fee. Since the Italy international arrived, Trafford has mainly featured in domestic cups, including the FA Cup tie against Salford City on Saturday.

Trafford explained that the shift from likely starter to reserve came as a surprise. "I didn't expect the situation to happen, but it happened, so just get on with it," said Trafford, who featured against Salford City in the FA Cup on Saturday. Work very hard every day and then see what happens, give it my best shot. "No, it wasn't that [I was promised to be number one], but it [the plan] wasn't what happened. It is what it is. It's football, it is what it is, you've got to keep grafting every day and the games that come, play as hard as you can."

Advanced figures offer a clearer view of Trafford’s performances for Manchester City this season. From chances worth 12 expected goals on target, Trafford has allowed nine goals. Donnarumma, by contrast, has conceded 31 goals, excluding own goals, from 34.6 expected goals on target. Their goals prevented numbers can be summarised as follows.

Despite the change in status, Trafford described the campaign as part of longer-term development. "It's just another experience to add to my career and yeah, it has been good learning." Trafford, who turned 23 this year and was linked strongly with Newcastle United in 2023, remains unsure about long-term plans. "I don't know what happens next season. I just know that I'll just take it a day at a time and try and improve."

James Trafford Manchester City future and England ambitions

Trafford accepted that national team opportunities will depend on making the most of every Manchester City appearance. The goalkeeper stressed that selection will stem from visible standards in training and matches rather than reputation. "Obviously, everyone knows what's going on with me, so I've just got to, whenever I play, play as well as I can."