In Focus: Young Lion Trafford ready to roar in Premier League

James Trafford has played a pivotal role in England's run to the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals.

The 20-year-old keeper started in all four of the Young Lions' matches so far and is yet to concede a goal.

Trafford came into the tournament on the back of a stellar 2022-23 campaign on loan at League One Bolton and has continued to shine on the international stage.

Ahead of England's semi-final against Israel this evening, we shine the spotlight on the Manchester City goalie who could take the Premier League by storm next season.

League One launchpad

Trafford first joined Bolton on loan in January 2022, before completing another temporary switch to the Lancashire outfit last June.

It proved to be a wise decision as he further enhanced his reputation by keeping 22 clean sheets in 45 League One appearances for the Trotters last term. 

The young keeper conceded only 34 league goals and helped Ian Evatt's side reach the play-offs, where they were eliminated by Barnsley.

Trafford showcased his marvellous shot-stopping ability throughout the season, finishing fifth for saves made (126) in the third tier and recording the second-best save percentage (78.8%).

World-class potential

But even before his successful loans at Bolton, Trafford's City and England colleague Cole Palmer was well aware of his enormous talent.

Ahead of the Young Lions' 1-0 win over Portugal on Sunday, 21-year-old winger Palmer said: "He's [Trafford] so good. Even in training he's so hard to score past. 

"I first met him at Under-12s. When he first came, everyone was thinking, 'Who's this kid?'.

"He came from Carlisle and as time went on everyone was looking at each other like, 'Wow'.

"I always say to him, even when we were little, that he is going to be world class.

"I already knew how good he was, and I am just glad everyone is seeing it."

Burning ambition

Trafford is highly ambitious as well as talented, with his desire to reach the very top suggesting he will not stay at City.

The rising star has four years remaining on his current deal at the Etihad but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Citizens due to the presence of Ederson.

Speaking about his future, he explained last month: "My long-term goal is playing in the Champions League and for England.

"Whether it's Man City or any other of the big clubs, I believe I will be at that level.

"The most important thing for goalies is to be playing and if you're not playing it is really tough. Next season I'll play every week."

Premier League chance

According to reports, Trafford is closing in on a move to newly-promoted Burnley for a fee of around £19million.

On the price tag, England U-21s manager Lee Carsley said: "He's got a big future ahead of him.

"We've shown with a lot of our players, the price tag is something that’s the norm. What I will say is that they take it in their stride. They're very level-headed and humble." 

The move could speed up Trafford's already meteoric rise in football, although there would be competition for the Clarets' No1 spot in Arijanet Muric. 

But if Trafford can inspire the Young Lions to Euro glory, an opportunity in the Premier League under Vincent Kompany may await him.