Winks recall to boost midfield for qualifiers
TOTTENHAM midfielder Harry Winks is set for an England recall when Gareth Southgate names his latest squad today. Chelsea youngster Mason Mount is also pushing hard for a second call-up after his brilliant start to the season — as is Leicester midfielder James Maddison, who scored with a fine free kick against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup last night. England play Bulgaria and Kosovo in Euro 2020 qualifiers and there will be a number of midfield omissions from Southgate’s previous squad, which could open the door to Winks, Mount and Maddison. Fabian Delph will miss out due to a groin issue, while Dele Alli and Eric Dier have just returned from injury and are yet to play this season. In defence, Southgate is waiting on the fitness of John Stones and Ben Chilwell. That could open the door to a first call-up for Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka — particularly given Southgate is planning on naming an extended squad. Competition at right back is intense with Wan-Bissaka, Kyle Walker, Trent AlexanderArnold and Kieran Trippier all contenders. But with left back Luke Shaw injured and Chilwell’s availability unclear, Southgate could select more than two right backs so one of them can provide cover on the opposite flank. Aston Villa centre back Tyrone Mings, who is left footed, could also come into consideration. In goal, Burnley’s Nick Pope, who was injured for the majority of last season, is set for a recall alongside Southgate’s No 1 Jordan Pickford and Tom Heaton. If Southgate selects four goalkeepers, Dean Henderson and Angus Gunn are in contention.