Rising star James Trafford has set out his major ambitions – to play in the Champions League and for England.
The Cumbrian goalkeeper is preparing for the big international stage this week with England’s Under-21s.
Trafford is hoping to shine in the European Championships, which get under way for the Three Lions on Thursday.
And the talented Manchester City gloveman from Greysouthen hopes it will be another step to the very top.
“My long-term goal is playing in the Champions League and for England,” Trafford said.
“If you want to be in the Champions League you've got to be in the top four teams in England.
“Whether it's Man City or any other of the big clubs, I believe I will be at that level. Given the opportunity I'd be able to perform.”
Trafford, who has been on Man City’s books since the age of 12 after leaving Carlisle United’s academy, impressed on loan with Bolton Wanderers in League One last season.
The 20-year-old is a strong contender to start for Lee Carsley’s Under-21s in their Euros opener against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
His rivals for the goalkeeping position are Josh Griffiths of West Bromwich Albion and Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Hove Albion.
England – whose squad also includes Trafford’s fellow Cumbrian Jarrad Branthwaite – then take on Israel on Sunday and Germany next Wednesday in their other group games.
Trafford will follow another Cumbrian in Dean Henderson in keeping goal for England’s Under-21s at a major tournament, with the Whitehaven star having played in the 2019 Euros.
And Trafford also has an eye on the 2023/24 season when he is targeting more positive steps in his first-team career.
A number of clubs are thought to be monitoring his situation while Bolton boss Ian Evatt last season speculated that Trafford could be City’s second-choice keeper next term.
But the Cumbrian, speaking to the Daily Mail, confirmed he wants to be in the front line again.
“The most important thing for goalies is to be playing and if you're not playing it is really tough,” he said.
“Next season I'll play every week. I can't sit on the bench.”
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