Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino insists Harry Winks deserves his England place.

He was named man-of-the match in the win against Bournemouth and passed his acid test after shining against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Winks will start against Liverpool tomorrow and Pochettino said: “It's not my decision but if keeps his performance of the past few weeks, why not? (make the World Cup).

“I'm so pleased because he has the quality to play the way he did against Real Madrid. He showed great character, personality and quality.

“He's still so young and hasn't played many games still. But he has not surprised me.

“You work three seasons together and you can start to see his evolution. It's about trying to find the right time to provide him the place and the opportunity to play.

“Recently he has played for the national team and played at the Bernabeu, but we must now look after his body and mind too."