Pep Guardiola has expressed strong confidence that James Trafford will eventually rise to become England’s first-choice goalkeeper. The Manchester City manager spoke highly of the 23-year-old ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Swansea City on Wednesday evening.
Guardiola’s Faith in Trafford
Despite limited game time this season due to the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Trafford has continued to impress behind the scenes. Guardiola praised his dedication and improvement since rejoining Manchester City last summer.
“Only I can say we are delighted he is here,” Guardiola said. “He must always be ready in case we need him in the Premier League or the Champions League. We have an incredible keeper who will be England’s number one sooner or later.”
Trafford, who recently turned 23, has made four appearances so far this season, including a solid performance in City’s third-round Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield Town.
Learning from Donnarumma
When asked whether Trafford was learning from Donnarumma, Guardiola revealed that the relationship between the goalkeepers was mutually beneficial. “They learn from each other,” he explained. “Keepers are always connected — just like I learn from the players, and the players learn from the staff.”
Respecting the Carabao Cup
Guardiola also reaffirmed his commitment to taking the Carabao Cup seriously. As City prepare to face Swansea City, the manager emphasized the importance of respecting all opponents, regardless of their league position.
“It’s not our first time,” Guardiola said. “Teams in lower divisions, we take seriously; otherwise, we wouldn’t have had success in the past. I have the responsibility to show with my body language what needs to be done. If I ever looked like I didn’t care — that never happens.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who did Pep Guardiola say will be England’s future No.1 goalkeeper?
A: James Trafford, Manchester City’s young goalkeeper, was praised by Guardiola as a future England No.1.
Q: Why hasn’t Trafford played many games this season?
A: His appearances have been limited due to the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is currently City’s main goalkeeper.
Q: How old is James Trafford and how many matches has he played this season?
A: Trafford recently turned 23 years old and has made four appearances so far in the 2025 campaign.
Q: What competition will Trafford likely feature in next?
A: He is expected to play in the Carabao Cup match against Swansea City.
Q: How does Pep Guardiola view the Carabao Cup?
A: Guardiola insists City take the competition seriously, respecting every opponent regardless of division.
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola’s praise for James Trafford highlights the faith Manchester City’s boss has in his young goalkeeper’s potential. Despite fierce competition for the No.1 spot, Trafford’s professionalism and growth continue to earn admiration. As he gains more experience, both in domestic cups and through training alongside world-class players like Donnarumma, his journey to becoming England’s top goalkeeper seems increasingly inevitable.
