Martin Keown questions England role of Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks

Add as preferred source on Google

Martin Keown has posed the question over whether England manager Gareth Southgate can keep selecting Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks if he struggles for game-time, but his club boss Mauricio Pochettino has already shown his cards.

The 22-year-old delivered a brilliant display over the international break in England’s 3-2 win over Spain, which was just his second senior cap for his national side.

His chance came about due to a suspension to England teammate Jordan Henderson and ex-Arsenal defender Keown is unsure on whether the Spurs man will get enough minutes before the next international break in November.

But Spurs manager Pochettino has shown he’s a huge fan of academy graduate Winks and it should be no surprise to see him become a mainstay in the starting XI over the next few weeks.

The 22-year-old has wisely been eased back into action this season following a long-term ankle injury, but Pochettino showed faith in him by starting him in the Champions League against Barcelona.

“The club form of Barkley and Winks in particular will be interesting over the next month. If they do not get much game-time, can Southgate select them [for England]?” Keown told the Daily Mail.

“Then again, the performance was so good against Spain that the England manager will find it difficult to look them in the eye and drop them.”

Winks is a highly-rated player at Spurs that is considered a key first team player and has not looked out of place within the England set-up.

He is a ball-playing midfielder that gives brilliant energy in the centre of the park and is extremely efficient in possession.

There should be no concerns about Winks when it comes to his opportunities at Spurs, as he’s one of Pochettino’s better options and is still returning to his best.