Manchester City winger Cole Palmer believes James Trafford has 'world class' potential as the young goalkeeper excels with England at U21 European Championships.
Trafford has featured in goal for England for all three of their U21 group stage matches in Georgia and Romania and has yet to concede a goal. The young Three Lions will take on Portugal in tomorrow's quarter-final clash as they aim to take a step closer to silverware.
Speaking ahead of the game, Palmer was full of praise for his City teammate and admitted he has not been surprised by his quality performances so far this tournament. "He's so good. Even in training he's so hard to score past," the winger explained.
"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'.
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"I always say to him, even when we were little, that he is going to be world class. I don't think everyone has seen it yet and this tournament he is showing it now. I already knew how good he was, and I am just glad everyone is seeing it."
Currently, opportunities are hard to come by for Trafford at the Etihad Stadium. Ederson is clearly Pep Guardiola's first choice option and Stefan Ortega proved over the majority of the campaign he is a capable understudy. After spending the last 18 months as Ian Evatt's No.1 at Bolton Wanderers, Trafford is back in Manchester where his future is in some doubt.
When discussing his next move last month, Trafford told the Daily Mail: "My long-term goal is playing in the Champions League and for England. 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. 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. I can't sit on the bench."
