Report: Winks set to claim England role after impressing Southgate and teammates

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks could be in line to make the holding role his own for England, after leaving a big impression on manager Gareth Southgate.

The 23-year-old was selected to start against Bulgaria on Monday for his fourth cap, replacing Declan Rice at the base of the midfield.

In a game that was sadly overshadowed by racist chanting in Sofia, one of the biggest positives on the night was the performance of Winks, who controlled proceedings from deep.

As reported by The Daily Mail, Southgate and his coaching staff were wowed by Winks and his ability to dictate the game, and apparently his teammates felt they benefited from having someone more technical in the side.

Winks did his starting prospects the world of good and will now expect to start the next qualifier against Montenegro.

TBR’s view

Winks is developing into a fine player and England appear to be a much more controlling side with him in the team.

The £50,000-a-week star (Spotrac) is fantastic at collecting the ball off the centre-halves under pressure and keeping possession – whether that be through the means of a quick pass or dribbling his way out of trouble.

It is something he has been doing all season in a struggling Spurs side, and it is good he finally seems to be getting the recognition for it.