Thomas Tuchel reveals major England selection decision for crunch Spain clash

Detailed summary

Three Lions go to Madrid hoping to secure top spot in Nations League group

Thomas Tuchel has revealed who will start in goal for England against Spain in Sunday’s blockbuster Nations League showdown.

Long-time No1 Jordan Pickford got the nod for Thursday night’s 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley, but will drop out in Madrid.

England face Spain in their final group game knowing that victory can secure them top spot and potentially an easier opponent for the quarter-finals in March.

The last extended international break saw game time split evenly between Pickford and rival James Trafford of Leeds - and Tuchel has confirmed that he will continue with the same approach this weekend.

Asked for an update on team news at England’s pre-match press conference at the Metropolitano Stadium on Saturday evening, he said: “It’s good news first of all because we have everyone available.

“Ezri Konsa is back and available and Djed Spence is back and available. So we have full choice in our back four.

“James Trafford will play tomorrow. We will share the matches [in goal] like we did in the last [international break].

“We want to see how far Traff is. We give him the opportunity, which is normally very rare for goalkeepers. So we use the Nations League to see him and to try him in a high-pressure environment.”

Tuchel added: “On top of that, I have full trust in my team. It has been an excellent camp on the pitch and off the pitch. We will be playing the best team in the world.

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