Analysis - David Howells on Dier and Winks

A midfielder who made 335 appearances for us between 1986-1998 and an FA Cup winner in 1991, David Howells was a fascinated viewer as two of our players – Eric Dier and Harry Winks – took on the challenge of facing Spain’s much-vaunted midfield in Seville as England faced Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night.

Eric, 24, one of the more senior players in the squad with 36 caps and Harry, 22, earning only his second cap, lined-up against Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara and Saul as both managers started with a 4-3-3 system in Seville.

The Spurs duo certainly played their part in that key central area to provide the platform for a memorable first half performance where the Three Lions raced into a 3-0 lead. Team-mate and skipper Harry Kane led from the front and was involved in all three goals scored by Raheem Sterling (2) and Marcus Rashford, providing assists for goals two and three.

Eric and Harry completed the full 97 minutes, ‘Winksy’ was substituted after 90 and our fourth starter, Kieran Trippier, played 85 as England secured a 3-2 victory – Spain’s first home defeat in a competitive match since 2003.

Howellsy on 'Winksy'

David: "I thought Harry was brave on the ball and his usual lively self. He won’t play in many games where he doesn’t have possession, I think England ended up with less than 30% possession (27%) and with that in mind it was a real energy-sapping performance in terms of keeping your shape and keeping the right mentality. His energy levels were great right until the end, a real bonus having missed a lot of football, being able to come through 90 minutes and still look fresh, his decision making was still good.

"I love the way he’s brave on the ball. His first thought is always ‘can I pass forward’ or take the ball into an area where he’ll affect the game. It’s not always easy to do that but it’s always his first intention. That’s what I like, his positivity on the ball, his sharp movement and he’s getting stronger and stronger with every performance.

"Ask any player the games he wants to play in and it will be against the best teams, pitting your wits against the best players. Harry has been outstanding in big games, thinking about the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona. I’m sure he will go from strength to strength. He’s a real asset to the Club and I hope he remains so for many years to come."

Howellsy on Eric Dier

David: "I thought Eric Dier was great. He got the yellow card for the challenge on Sergio Ramos early in the game. Okay, he was booked, but I thought that tackle sent a message that there was no taking liberties. That sets the tone, our holding midfielder going into their top man in their box. I liked that. In fact, I more than liked it, I loved it!

"I thought Eric’s all-round play was excellent. He brings an all-round calmness to the team, he’s very smart in the way he picks up his positions when the opponents have the ball and he’s such a great physical asset as well, so strong in defensive set-piece situations. He was excellent.

"You can see Gareth Southgate trusts him. This is a young England squad but he’s one of the senior players within that group. You can understand that. He’s seems such a level-headed, decent man as well and the more of those people you can have around the group, the better."