Harry Winks has admitted he is dreaming of representing England at the World Cup but insisted it is too early to say whether he is a serious contender for Gareth Southgate’s final 23-man squad.

The 21-year-old made his senior debut in last night’s 1-0 win over Lithuania which ensured England remained unbeaten through their Group F campaign, having already booked their place in Russia following Thursday’s victory over Slovenia.

Winks was a surprise inclusion given he was called into the squad only as a late replacement for Fabian Delph, who withdrew due to injury, and the fact he has started just four Premier League games in his career.

Southgate made seven changes and experimented with a 3-4-2-1 system but England laboured for long periods and needed a Harry Kane penalty to see off the hosts.

However, Winks was one of England’s best players in central midfield, a position which has become a major headache for Southgate.

Jack Wilshere has been mooted as a possible alternative should he prove his fitness at Arsenal and although Winks enhanced his case here, the Tottenham youngster is reluctant to look too far ahead.

“I trust my ability and I believe I am good enough to play at this level,” Winks told Standard Sport.

“All I can do is perform for Tottenham and England if I get the opportunity and keep proving that. It is a long distance away. I can’t say anything just yet. I have just got to keep my head down and work hard.

“All I can do is work hard, stay level–headed, keep trying to improve and do everything I possibly can.

“Of course, it [the World Cup] is something I dream of, of being able to say I have gone to but it is a long way away.”

Winks revealed he was overawed at making the step up from England’s Under-21 squad —for whom he has only made two appearances — but the presence of several Spurs players including Kane, Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier helped him adjust.

“I was with the Under-21s [when I got the call],” said Winks. “We were all in St George’s Park and I got a text from the Under-21s manager [Aidy Boothroyd] saying, ‘Come to the dressing room’.

“I went in there and he told me I had been promoted to the senior squad. I