England were in fine form in their 6-0 thrashing of Bulgaria on Monday night, answering the racist abuse from the stands with an excellent all-round performance on the pitch.
Tottenham striker Harry Kane was arguably the man of the match, providing three assists and scoring the sixth goal to round off a brilliant display. But the captain wasn’t the only Spurs player who impressed on the night.
At the base of the midfield, Harry Winks was composed and accurate throughout, constantly recovering possession and staring attacks. The 23-year-old came into the team for West Ham United star Declan Rice, who looked slightly off the pace against the Czech Republic on Friday.
Winks made a huge difference and gave England more balance in midfield. He certainly made his case to start more regularly for the Three Lions in the future, particularly against sides who aren’t much of a threat on the attack – his lack of defensive ability doesn’t matter so much against that kind of opposition.
As a result of his performance, Winks received plenty of plaudits on Twitter. Here are some of the best reactions to his display.
Harry Winks with more successful tackles in one minute than Declan Rice in 90.
— Elliot (@VivaYids) October 14, 2019
Harry Winks is incredible
— Harland Phillips (@Harland_BP) October 14, 2019
Amazing what happens when you play Harry Winks instead of Declan Rice.
— Joshua (@JoshHorsley) October 14, 2019
Tell you what, Harry winks is a baller
— luke wright (@lukeywright_) October 14, 2019
Harry Winks has put in another great performance so far tonight. All round work rate, positional play, movement and passing has been what this England team have been missing.
And Harry Kane has been great in midfield too, with 3 assists…— SFC Spurs ?? ??????? (@sfcbdlm2) October 14, 2019
Can I also say Harry winks ? superb from start to finish. The engine in you. Winning the ball back doing the hard work but also calm and composed bringing players into the game and opening up space. Superb. Much better than rice. Winks needs to start
— Ryan Matthews (@Ryan_Matt98) October 14, 2019
There are England (and Spurs) fans who don’t rate Harry Winks. Amazing to me. He’s a great player.
— SpursNews (@SpursNews1961) October 14, 2019
Harry winks masterclass today ngl.
— Mason⛔️ (@masondrfc_) October 14, 2019
Exactly right, class player and yet in the media that useless Liverpool captain, Liverpool make him look good, by the way gets a better rating?
Henderson passing rate is average due to the amount of sideways and back passing, no wonder his rate is so high!
Cannot carry the ball at all. Non productive
Harry shows us how it’s done.
Also media scored HK 6what?
He made 3and scored… What else can he do?
Harry Winks what can we say great all performance reminds me of Paul Scholes with out the goals but they will come great vision on the ball turns defence into attack on a single drop of the shoulder has to start more definitely before Declan rice, masterclass performance Winksy.