LONDON -- Gareth Southgate revealed the rapid development of Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks has reinforced his determination to find out if more youngsters are ready to make significant contributions to the England senior squad ahead of next summer's World Cup in Russia.
Chelsea loanees Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as well as Liverpool defender Joe Gomez have been handed maiden senior call-ups for friendlies against Germany and Brazil, while Winks has kept his place and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford could be in line to earn his first England cap.
Winks is widely tipped to play a significant role for England next summer after breaking into the Tottenham team and producing spectacularly assured performances in central midfield against Real Madrid and Manchester United, and Southgate admitted he hopes his youthful squad selection could unearth more players worthy of World Cup consideration.