Harry Winks reflected on a “dream week” after making his senior England debut in the win over Lithuania on Sunday.
The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder reported to St. George’s Park last Sunday as part of the U21s squad, before injuries to Phil Jones and Fabian Delph saw him join Gareth Southgate’s group.
And Winks was among the pick of the performers as England finished their World Cup qualifying group with victory in Vilnius, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Harry Kane.
“It’s been a dream week for me,” admitted Winks after the game.
“Getting a call-up for any age group is fantastic but to get called into the seniors so late and the way I found out, it was surreal and I’m really very happy.
“I was quite surprised when I got the call myself to step in but obviously I’m happy to step in at any stage to help the team in training or whatever, it was brilliant for me.”
Kane was equally happy with the performance from his Spurs team-mate, who has impressed with his displays for Mauricio Pochettino’s men this term.
“He’s a great player, fantastic, he can drive past players, quick-passing, he breaks up play well so we’re delighted for him and he deserves it,” said Kane.
“He’s been great for us when he’s played this season so he just needs to carry on and keep his head down, I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“It was a fantastic [team] performance, it was a solid one. They didn’t create many chances, we had a few, not a lot of clear-cut ones but it’s a win to finish off the group, it’s been a good campaign for us and now we move on.”
England will continue their World Cup preparations next month when they host Germany and Brazil at Wembley Stadium. For ticket details and how to purchase, click here.
