England assistant manager Steve Holland has heaped praise on Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks and believes that he could play a pivotal role in England’s midfield in the coming years.
Winks was left out of England’s 23-man squad for the Nations League finals in Portugal, with the 23-year-old, who performed well in Tottenham’s 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Champions League final, not selected for the squad due to him having a spell out of action after suffering with a groin injury last campaign.
However, Holland believes that Winks can develop into a key figure in England’s midfield in the coming months and suggested he has the qualities needed in Gareth Southgate’s side.
“He is a player that we have very much been waiting for in that kind of position. Someone who is comfortable on turn and connect the play when we are working through the offensive phases. Quite simply, had he been fit and consistently paying for Tottenham, he would have been in the squad 100%,” Holland said as quoted by The Guardian.
“It is just a call we had to make. I am sure he will acquire many England caps in the future.”
OPINION
Holland is right to signal out Winks as a potentially key performer for England in the coming months and years. The 23-year-old has demonstrated his potential offer a calming presence in midfield and help to build attacks during his performances for Tottenham last term. Although the midfielder suffered with injury troubles last season, he came back to fitness and was one of Tottenham’s best players in the Champions League final, with Mauricio Pochettino placing his faith in Winks to start the match. England’s 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the Nations League semi-final on Thursday highlighted the need for, as Holland suggests, a player with the qualities Winks possesses in England’s midfield. Holland’s comments suggest that Winks could well play a crucial role for England, as long as he can remain fit and keep himself in Tottenham’s starting line-up next term. That should provide the 23-year-old with added confidence and added motivation to impress for Tottenham next season and force his way into the England set-up.