MX23RW : Saturday, March 23 12:05:27

James Ward-Prowse added to England squad for opening Euro 2020 qualifiers

James Ward-Prowse added to England squad for opening Euro 2020 qualifiers
© Reuters
Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and John Stones have all pulled out of the squad.

James Ward-Prowse has been called up to the England squad after Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and John Stones withdrew through injury.

Gareth Southgate's men kick-off Euro 2020 qualification when the Czech Republic visit Wembley on Friday, before they head to Montenegro next Monday.

The England squad convene at St George's Park for the double header on Monday, but the initial 25-man squad named last week has become a group of 23 due to injuries.

Delph, Loftus-Cheek and Stones have all pulled out through injury, leading Southgate to turn to in-form Southampton midfielder Ward-Prowse.

A statement from the FA read: "James Ward-Prowse has been called up to the England squad ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

"The Southampton midfielder, who won his only senior cap in March 2017, will link up with the Three Lions at St George's Park on Monday afternoon.

"Meanwhile, Manchester City pair John Stones and Fabian Delph and Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek have withdrawn through injury."

Fabian Delph was taken off after 57 minutes as Manchester City won at Swansea
Fabian Delph was taken off after 57 minutes as Manchester City won at Swansea (Nick Potts/PA)

Delph was replaced less than an hour into Manchester City's FA Cup quarter-final win at Swansea, which team-mate Stones missed with a groin injury.

Loftus-Cheek came on as a second-half substitute as Chelsea lost to Everton on Sunday, but has since withdrawn through injury from the England squad bolstered by the addition of Ward-Prowse.

The 24-year-old was Southgate's captain at under-21 level and has flourished under Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who has helped add aggression and goals to the midfielder's game.

James Ward-Prowse captained England at the European Under-21 Championship in 2017
James Ward-Prowse captained England at the European Under-21 Championship in 2017 (Nick Potts/PA)

Ward-Prowse has scored six goals since the turn of the year, including stunning free-kicks in Southampton's last two matches, and was in such impressive form that his omission from the initial squad caused debate.

"We love Prowsey," Southgate said at last week's squad announcement. "I've been accused of being a father of Prowsey over the years!

"This most recent spell is his best spell since we capped him before. He is, I would say, a world-class deliverer of set-plays.

"But he's only recently got back into the team at Southampton. I think we've got some (good) midfield players and it isn't a straightforward selection.

"We're four months on from our last game. You could look at Fabian Delph and say he hasn't been playing for Manchester City, but he was our best player against Croatia.

"So, trying to balance all of that has been difficult this time. There is no question of that, but we have qualified for a semi-final in the summer.

"It would be strange to make huge changes to that squad, but we've added another young player in Declan (Rice).

"We know there are some players just on the fringes that we wouldn't hesitate to call in, both in terms of their ability but also in the case of a player like James Ward-Prowse and his character, he's absolutely the sort of character you want around the squad."

Jordan Henderson came off early in Germany last week
Jordan Henderson came off early in Germany last week (Peter Byrne/PA)

There has been speculation that Jordan Henderson would be pulling out of the England squad with the ankle injury that forced him off against Bayern Munich in last week's Champions League quarter-final.

The Liverpool captain missed Sunday's win at Fulham but Jurgen Klopp cleared him for international duty afterwards.

"He will go to the national team," the Reds boss said. "He has two or three days still at Melwood, but it still looks positive.

"When it looks positive and he can train, he will go to the national team. He was not able to play, but it's not that serious. In three or four days, it should be fine."


Click here for more stories about James Ward-Prowse

Click here for more stories about England

Share this article now:
James Tarkowski warms up for Burnley on September 22, 2018
Read Next:
Dyche delighted by England recalls for Burnley pair
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
European Championship Qualifying
International Friendlies
League One
League Two
National League
Scottish Challenge Cup
Scottish Championship
Scottish League One
Scottish League Two
Segunda Division
Serie B
Major League Soccer
Argentine Primera Division
Uruguayan Primera Division
NIFL Premiership
Welsh Premier League
European Under-21 Championship Qualifying
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool31237170185276
2Manchester CityMan City30242479215874
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs30201957322561
4Arsenal30186663392460
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd30177658401858
6Chelsea30176750331757
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves30128103836244
8Watford30127114244-243
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham31126134146-542
10Leicester CityLeicester31125144043-341
11Everton31117134342140
12Bournemouth31115154356-1338
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3198143140-935
14Crystal Palace3096153641-533
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2996143242-1033
16Southampton3079143450-1630
17Burnley3186173559-2430
18Cardiff CityCardiff3084182757-3028
19Fulham3145222970-4117
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield3135231857-3914

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account