[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast's Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers...

Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has told Harry Winks that he has a point to prove this season as he looks to work his way into Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020, per Football Insider.

What’s he said?

Winks signed a new contract at Spurs earlier this week, committing his future to Mauricio Pochettino’s men for another five years.

The midfielder has emerged as an important member of the Argentine’s squad in recent seasons, making 102 appearances in total for the club.

His performances have seen him win three caps for England but injury woes saw him miss his country’s participation in the Nations League finals.

The 23-year-old faces increased competition for his place in Southgate's midfield this season as Euro 2020 looms next summer, with Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish set for another crack at the Premier League, while Mason Mount is also regarded as an exciting talent at Chelsea.

Asked if Winks had a point to prove, Bent said: “Yeah, he does. Harry Winks is an exciting young player.

“He was one of them that people were talking about starting for England so he’s obviously got that to prove as well. With Harry Winks, he’s in the position now where he’s up against some good, young, English players.

“Last season he had to contend with (Ruben) Loftus-Cheek, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier. Now you throw into the mix Jack Grealish, he’s now in the right division so he’s probably going to get a call-up. Mason Mount got a call-up playing in the Championship for Derby.

“In that position there’s going to be some real key battles that whoever can lock down a position and play well for their club is going to get that England call. I’m sure Harry Winks is going to be up for the fight.”

Watch Tottenham Hotspur Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Improvement likely

Pochettino has a phenomenal track record of bringing through England internationals.

The likes of Harry Kane, Ryan Mason, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier and Winks have all made their Three Lions debuts while playing under the Argentine in north London.

And his decision to hand Winks a new deal hints at another important role in 2019/20.

Spurs, of course, have signed Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon and they also have the likes of Moussa Sissoko, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen on the books too.

Nevertheless, Winks is likely to be playing continuously throughout the campaign; he will likely improve as a result and, if he does, he’ll surely be in Southgate’s squad for next summer’s tournament.