Harry Winks says he’s never stopped dreaming about England.
The Foxes midfielder is back in the big time and has his eyes fixed firmly on forcing his way back into the Three Lions side. Winks, 28, made the last appearance for his country almost four years ago during a 3-0 victory over Ireland at Wembley.
He left Spurs last summer in search of regular game-time and found it in the east Midlands as part of Enzo Maresca’s promoted side. Returning to the top-flight was all part of the plan after he joined the Foxes for £10m.
And the desire to play for the Three Lions has never left him. When quizzed about a return, he said: “Obviously, that’s out of my hands. The important thing is to play well for Leicester - then everything will take care of itself.
“But it is something I think about. I’ve never stopped thinking about it. I know you need to perform well at the highest level and the Premier League is that level.”
Winks enjoyed a solid campaign as Maresca led the club to the Championship title. And the midfielder said that while going abroad offered him a chance to be noticed, he felt it was better if he did remained in England and took the chance to return to the elite after spending one campaign in the Championship.
He added: “The Premier League seems the best place to try and return. When you go abroad or in the Championship, it’s not looked at like that. The Premier League is the best league in the world so you have to show it on that stage.
“I’m looking forward, with the squad and players here we can have a positive season and for me personally, I want to make sure of that as well. I’ve got full confidence in myself. I’ve never lost that.
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"I’ve always said it’s about playing games regularly and regaining my confidence. Since I’ve joined the club I’ve had that. I love the club, the players and since I’ve come I’ve felt at home.”
Maresca returned the favour for Winks when the two were playing together last term. The Italian boss said that the midfielder was on loan to the Championship - and so it proved.
But the manager who took a gamble on him now has far bigger issues to sort at Chelsea - while Winks is getting to grips with new boss Steve Cooper. He said: “It’s still enjoyable - but it’s different to last season.
"We’re learning what he wants. He’s given the senior players a bit of licence. There’s not too much difference but the main thing is we build up differently.
"We try to keep the same style with an overload in the middle. Off the ball is different. The manager has been in the PL, he understands what it takes to stay in the PL and we have to understand that’s what the manager wants to do and we’re all behind doing what he says. It showed last Monday - because a point against Spurs is a good return.”