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3 players who can solve England’s midfield issues

By Benjamin Barkworth

BUFTEA, ROMANIA - OCTOBER 27: Phil Foden of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Under-17 EURO Qualifier between U17 England and U17 Romania at Football Centre FRF on October 27, 2016 in Buftea, Romania. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images)
BUFTEA, ROMANIA - OCTOBER 27: Phil Foden of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Under-17 EURO Qualifier between U17 England and U17 Romania at Football Centre FRF on October 27, 2016 in Buftea, Romania. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images) /
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VILNIUS, LITHUANIA – OCTOBER 08: Harry Winks of England controls the ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group F Qualifier between Lithuania and England at LFF Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Vilnius, Lithuania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
VILNIUS, LITHUANIA – OCTOBER 08: Harry Winks of England controls the ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Group F Qualifier between Lithuania and England at LFF Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Vilnius, Lithuania. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

1. Harry Winks

The 22-year-old is the best option currently to solve England’s midfield issues. He started last season strongly and was even called up for the qualifiers against Slovenia and Lithuania. His debut against Lithuania was impressive even if the opposition were a poor side. However, injuries hindered him in the second half of the season, so he wasn’t available for the tournament. It’s likely that he would have been at the World Cup otherwise.

Mousa Dembele is likely to leave Tottenham this summer, which gives Winks a huge opportunity. He isn’t a direct replacement for the Belgian, but Mauricio Pochettino could opt to use him in that position. The Argentine manager has been a key ally for the national team because of how he has developed young English talents. Winks is likely to be the next Tottenham player to become a key member of the national side.

His versatility means that he could be used in a variety of roles. Therefore, he could be a box-to-box midfielder if Southgate opts to bring Cook into the first-team as well. However, using him as a deep-lying playmaker would bring the best out of his skillset.

He is excellent positionally and can vary up his play depending on the tempo of the match. His performance in the 3-1 win over Real Madrid highlighted his ability to work his team out of tight situations when the opposition has dominated large stretches of play. He ensured that the ball always reached an outlet and started off a number of counter-attacks even though his team was in a congested defensive shape.

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This can be compared with England’s match against Croatia when they struggled to get out of their own half from the second half onwards. Jordan Henderson was guilty of mishitting a lot of passes, which ensured the Croatian pressure came right back at them. Winks’ precision and range of passing ensures that this isn’t an issue for him. A strong start to the domestic season should see him promoted to an important role in the England senior side for the UEFA Nations League matches.

Notable mentions: Josh Onomah and Jack Grealish

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