SOUTHGATE’S REWARD FOR WINKS

GARETH SOUTHGATE will ignore calls to select Jack Wilshere in his latest England squad today, instead sticking with Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks. On-loan Swansea striker Tammy Abraham is also under strong consideration. Arsenal midfielder Wilshere has impressed during the club’s Europa League campaign, but he has made only one Premier League outing this season and Southgate is thought to view that as too little first-team football to warrant a place for the friendly double-header against Germany and Brazil. At this stage Winks is the preferred option after his fine debut in the World Cup qualifier against Lithuania and last night’s mature display. It is believed Southgate has also looked at Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley, who was last capped in 2013. Abraham has attracted interest from Nigeria, but is committed to England after playing at Under 21, Under 19 and Under 18 levels.