Trafford’s reported inclusion puts distribution and composure under immediate scrutiny against a Spain side built around controlled possession. The goalkeeper would also have to organise a defence featuring Jarell Quansah, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Levi Colwill.
Lewis-Skelly is reportedly paired with Elliot Anderson in a midfield double pivot:
The selection would give Tuchel a chance to assess whether Lewis-Skelly can handle the demands of a central role rather than a wider or deeper position.
The reported 4-2-3-1 places Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon behind Harry Kane. That structure offers England a clear attacking reference point, with Bellingham able to move closer to Kane while Saka and Gordon provide width.
Kane’s presence should encourage England to play forward earlier, but Spain’s midfield pressure will test whether those attacking movements can be supported by the double pivot. The balance between controlled possession and quick progression could define England’s opening spell.
Spain are also reportedly set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Rodri and Fabián Ruiz protecting the defence and Dani Olmo operating centrally. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams provide the wide threat, while Ferran Torres leads the line.
That gives Spain a settled central structure against an England midfield featuring a new partnership. The opening exchanges should reveal whether Tuchel’s changes can disrupt Spain’s control.
The official teams will settle the selection question, but the next storyline is already clear: can Trafford and Lewis-Skelly turn reported opportunities into credible long-term roles for England?