Harry Winks: Watching England from afar was difficult

Harry Winks is back in the England fold once again and admits it has been difficult to watch from afar as the Three Lions have reached consecutive semi-finals.The 23-year-old missed out on the run to the last four of the 2018 World Cup before getting fit and starring in a 3-2 Nations League group-stage win against Spain last season.More fitness issues followed and despite starting Tottenhams Champions League final defeat to Liverpool England boss Gareth Southgate opted against including Winks in his Nations League finals squad in June. View this post on Instagram Good to be backA post shared by Harry Winks (@harrywinks) on Sep 3, 2019 at 8:12am PDTAfter starting the season back in the Spurs side, Winks was recalled to the England squad having only picked up three caps even though Southgate is a big fan of the midfielder.Yes, I spoke to the gaffer the week before the (Champions League) final, he replied when asked if he understood why he was left out of the Nations League squad.He called me and gave me his views. I totally respect the gaffers decision, I was out for a few weeks after an operation and he had to name the squad before the Champions League (final).Great to have you back with us, @HarryWinks! https://t.co/YybJ9TavEN England (@England) September 3, 2019So I totally understand his thinking. At that moment in time, my thinking was with Tottenham to get fit, to get in that Champions League team.Then obviously afterwards it would have been an honour to go away with England, but for different reasons I totally understand why the gaffer did that. I respect his decision.It is always difficult to watch any football youre a part of when youre not involved especially the World Cup.First and foremost I was an England fan, I wanted us to do so well, but its everyones dream to play for their countries, so to have missed that was difficult. RESULT! Switzerland 0-0 England (England win 6-5 on penalties) Three Lions finish third in the Nations League! #NationsLeague UEFA EURO 2020 (@UEFAEURO) June 9, 2019And to miss out of the Nations League was difficult. But thats football. People make decisions and its part and parcel of moving on.Weve got the Euros to look forward to, so hopefully I can stay fit and play a part in that.Winks conceded it was hard to not be involved in big games for England and Tottenham but is still pleased with how his career has progressed so far.Its been tough, he told BBC Radio 5 Live.Stepping it up Another big day ahead for the #ThreeLions at @StGeorgesPark, as the countdown to Saturday's clash with Bulgaria continues! pic.twitter.com/4AUrJAhuQ4 England (@England) September 4, 2019Theres been numerous times Ive been in the squad and Ive had to come out with injuries or havent had a regular run in the side to be called up.But like I said before, to even have three caps for England is a real honour. Every time you put on the shirt is amazing.Obviously I want to get a lot more and thats my aim, my ambition to play as much as I can for England. View this post on Instagram Proper derby that!! On another day we come away with 3 points but plenty of positives to take #COYSA post shared by Harry Winks (@harrywinks) on Sep 1, 2019 at 11:46am PDTIve had a couple of injuries over the last few years which havent been at the best of times but hopefully I can put them behind me and carry on.If I look back to when I was younger, to see that at 23 I would be in the situation I am now, I would absolutely snap my arm off and do it, I would take it all day long.To represent your country at any level is incredible and to play for Tottenham they are my boyhood club as much as I have has been incredible as well.So Im very privileged to do both and I feel very humble to be in both situations.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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