Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks has been included in the England squad while Arsenal starlet Joe Willock will have to wait.
The so-called ‘Nicest Man in Football’ certainly has a ruthless streak.
Whereas previous incumbents of the England hotseat tended to stick loyally, almost maddeningly to a select group of key players no matter how they performed at club level, Gareth Southgate has no interest in status or history.
So out go Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard, the two headline omissions from his latest England squad. Fikayo Tomori and Harry Abraham have been rewarded for their eye-catching Chelsea form with a place in the 23-man squad while James Maddison is once again handed a chance to earn a first ever cap.
The November internationals have come a little too soon for Joe Willock, however, despite the Arsenal midfielder’s impressive start to the season under Unai Emery.
The 20-year-old has made six Premier League games already in 2019/20 but he’s still got work to do if he’s to earn a place in Southgate’s plans – much to the chagrin of Arsenal supporters who are wondering how on earth Harry Winks got a call-up on the back of Tottenham’s 7-2 disasterclass against Bayern Munich.
Winks had a night to forget against the Bavarians but he was always going to be included. He’s intelligent, tidy and composed in possession; crucial to the Southgate system.
But fear not, Willock will be rewarded eventually if he continues to progress at such a rapid rate. His time will come.
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