Football
Dan Kilpatrick, Tottenham Correspondent 7y

Tottenham's Harry Winks thanks Mauricio Pochettino after England bow

Harry Winks said Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino helped him to achieve a dream after making his England debut in Sunday's 1-0 win in Lithuania.

Winks, 21, is the 12th England debutant to be coached by Pochettino at Southampton or Spurs, and England boss Gareth Southgate has described the coach as the country's "secret weapon."

After being named man-of-the-match following an impressive 90 minutes in Vilnius, Winks told Sky Sports: "[Pochettino] is a fantastic manager and he has a lot of belief in us. Not only does he give us the opportunity but he gives us advice when we need it.

"I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me. I suppose it's about me paying it back, and fortunately, it went well tonight.

"It was a great day. To get the win was the main thing obviously but, on a personal note, it was a dream come true. I've wanted to play for England since I can remember -- as soon as I kicked a ball. It's something you aspire to do at any level. To get a full cap is a dream."

Harry Kane, who scored England's only goal for the second match in a row to make it 14 goals in 12 games for club and country this season, added: "[The players earning England debuts] show Mauricio's one of the best managers in the world, if not the best.

"He brings players through, gives them chances on the big stage and they deliver for him. We can't thank him enough for that. He deserves all the credit. He helped us get to where we are now, and Harry is another player under his management.

"I thought he played really well tonight. He was probably one of the best players on the pitch. He deserves it. He's come in and worked hard. I'm delighted for him and his family should be very proud."

Kane was impressed by his Spurs teammate's debut, adding: "[Winks must] keep working hard. He's a great player, fantastic. He can drive past players, quick passing, breaks up play well, so we're delighted for him.

"He deserved it, he's been great for us when he's played this season, so he's just got to carry it on, keep his head down and I'm sure he'll be fine."

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