Former Chelsea defender, Ashley Cole claims that Harry Winks livened the game up when he came on at half-time for England in their 2-0 loss to Belgium on Sunday.
Winks started for England in their 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday and some fans were left impressed with the Spurs midfielder’s display.
However, Gareth Southgate opted to revert to a midfield of Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice ahead of a back five on Sunday, in what seemed to be quite a defensive set-up.
If the England boss was hoping to contain Roberto Martinez’s side, then his game plan went out the window within 25 minutes as Belgium raced into a 2-0 lead.
Southgate bought Winks on for Henderson at half-time and, while the Spurs midfielder offered more control in the middle of the park and kept moving the ball quickly, Southgate’s men failed to create too many clear cut chances.
England’s hopes of making it to the Nations League finals were ended on Sunday as they failed to get back into the game but Cole admitted he wanted to see someone better on the ball, like Winks, in midfield.
The former England left-back said during Sky Sports’ live coverage: “You’ve got Henderson in front with Declan Rice, maybe I would like to see someone better on the ball.
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“I think when Harry Winks came on it livened the game up a bit.
“He was passing forward a little bit more (than Henderson).”
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