WINKS EARNS HIS ENGLAND SPURS

HARRY WINKS uses his Tottenham team-mates as inspiration in international football.

The England Under-21 midfielder featured for the young Lions in their narrow defeat to Germany on Friday night.

And Winks, one day, hopes to emulate Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Eric Dier in making the step up to the senior side.

The 21-year-old has made a top-flight breakthrough at White Hart Lane this season, becoming a firm favourite with Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.

That resulted in his first call-up to the U21s last November and his subsequent debut against France.

And, having seen his club-mates make the step from the Under-21s to the senior team, Winks believes there is a pathway available should he impress enough.

“The manager Aidy Boothroyd has told us there are opportunities there. As long as we keep performing for club and country and doing well, then the opportunity is there to take,” explained Winks (above).

“With someone like Gareth Southgate in charge, he likes young players and he’s keen to bring us through and give us opportunities.

“You could see that the other night against Germany. We had a lot of young players playing and it’s down to us whether we perform at club level to get the call-up.”

Denmark Under-21s v England Under-21s, tomorrow, 6pm. BT Sport.