Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Winks was not part of the England squad that participated in the UEFA Nations League finals.
BBC Sport pundit Chris Waddle has claimed that Tottenham’s Harry Winks is the ‘nearest’ England have to Ajax superstar and Barcelona-bound Franke de Jong.
England finished third in the UEFA Nations League, but they were beaten in the semi-finals by de Jong’s Holland, who went on to lose in the final to Portugal.
In January, as reported by Sky Sports, Barcelona confirmed that they have signed midfielder de Jong for an initial fee of £65 million as the 22-year-old will be looking to showcase his talents on a bigger stage when he officially makes the move next month.
Former White Hart Lane favourite Waddle shared his thoughts on England’s midfield problems as he gave a special mention to Tottenham’s Winks.
“The nearest player we have got to De Jong is Tottenham’s Harry Winks, who did not make the squad for Portugal despite recovering from groin surgery in time to play in the Champions League final at the start of June,” Waddle told BBC Sport.
“I thought he was excellent in Madrid and was surprised Spurs took him off after 66 minutes, but it was his first game back after several weeks out following groin surgery so I can understand if he was feeling the pace.
“I am sure Winks will be back in the frame for England’s home qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo in September, but Gareth’s big challenge in the next few months is to find the right blend in midfield.”
Spurs academy product Winks was not selected by Gareth Southgate for his recent squad, but he did play his part in England reaching the UEFA Nations League semi-finals.
Instead, the likes of Fabian Delph, Jesse Lingard, Eric Dier, Ross Barkley and Declan Rise were selected ahead of the Tottenham man.
Given there was some negatives from England’s defeat to Holland, it won’t be a surprise to see Winks make a return to Southgate’s squad next season.
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