Tottenham’s Harry Winks says he would rather stay with England’s senior squad than the U21s

Harry Winks has said he would rather play for the senior England side than the Under-21s at next summer’s European Championships if he has to choose between the two.

The 22-year-old Tottenham midfielder is expected to win his third senior cap against the USA tonight, but the issue over what he will do in June is coming increasingly under scrutiny.

Winks will be eligible to be selected by coach Aidy Boothroyd for England’s bid to win the European Under-21 Championships, which take place between June 16-30. Gareth Southgate’s side will be playing two fixtures before that, though, which could be in the UEFA Nations League or friendlies.

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Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino is almost certain to agree to Winks being involved in only one of the England set-ups to ensure he gets a proper break before the start of next season.

And Winks admits that he would find it more beneficial staying with Southgate’s squad, telling Standard Sport: “The most experience you’re ever going to get is playing with the senior side.

“When you’re playing away to Spain [Winks started in the 3-2 victory last month] and teams like that, that is the kind of experience you need to play more of, to understand how to deal with it. You can argue for and against for both. Going away with the Under-21s is massive and winning the competition is something you’d like to be involved in. But, ultimately, the main goal is to play for the senior side.”

Pochettino said that it was too early for any decision to be made on whether Winks drops down to the U21s for the tournament. The player feels any talks will wait until nearer the time and added: “I haven’t spoken to him [Pochettino] about it yet. I expect that will happen towards the end of the season.

“After being involved in the Spain win, I just want more of it.”