How Thomas Tuchel 'surprised' Jordan Pickford after breaking England record
Everton star Jordan Pickford continues to face questions over his number one shirt with England.
The 32-year-old has held the role for nearly 10 years after Gareth Southgate showed faith in his talents.
That certainly paid off at the 2018 World Cup and has continued to do so ever since.
Some complaints were aimed towards the Toffees man in the summer as his World Cup performances came under fire.
Those haven't totally gone away and have actually been furthered by Thomas Tuchel in this international break.
And a call from the England boss seemingly caught Pickford off guard as details emerge.
How Jordan Pickford reacted to James Trafford pick for England
The Nations League has been the focus of this extended break.
The Three Lions have lined up against Croatia, Spain and Czechia as part of their group.
Opening fixtures came against the latter two, but James Trafford was given the nod in between the sticks.
Pickford came back in against Croatia as he reclaimed the number one shirt.
That hasn't stopped questions surrounding the role and the potential passing of the torch.
Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has raised that point, suggesting that the 32-year-old was actually shocked to be dropped from the starting XI.
Speaking via Sky Sports News on Tuesday, he said: "I think it was smart from Thomas Tuchel to give Trafford some game time in two proper matches.
"It surprised Jordan Pickford because he'd played 30 consecutive games for England in major tournaments - he broke a record doing that.
"I think Trafford is the next man in line. Jordan Pickford is still the number one for the time being, that won't change.
"It might be that we see James Trafford getting a few more games between now and the Euros."
Pickford has proven to be one of England's best ever keepers, but when could his tenure be over?
When could Pickford be replaced by Trafford with England?
There is no getting away from the fact that the Everton man is only getting older.
Father time waits for no one and it looks to be coming for Pickford's number one role with the Three Lions.
His future with England now hinges entirely on his form and whether he can maintain a positive performance level for club and country.
If he can do that, the shot-stopper may be in line to be the starting keeper for the upcoming home Euros in 2028.
That is where the curtain could fall on the keeper as Trafford may be then given the nod to become the new number one.
Pickford will be 34 by then, while his counterpart will be 25, so that would make sense for the Three Lions.
There will now be hope that the record-breaking keeper can be treated with respect for the rest of his reign, rather than being caught out by management decisions.