Southampton’s Ward-Prowse relishing the unforgettable night ahead

When James Ward-Prowse walks out at St Mary’s on Thursday night wearing an England shirt, with a captain’s armband on, there will not be a prouder man inside the stadium.

The midfielder has come through the ranks at Southampton, having joined the club at the age of eight, and his impressive performances have seen him go on to become captain of England Under-21s.

Ward-Prowse, who trained with the senior national team yesterday, will lead out the Under-21s for the friendly with Italy at his home ground, where he will be joined by teammates Nathan Redmond and Jack Stephens in the squad.

And the 22-year-old said: “It’s going to be a great occasion. I think for us it’s a big stepping stone towards our plans for the summer (when they compete in the European Championships).

“It’s going to be a tough summer ahead and it’ll be a good test for us to make sure we’re ready for the tough games coming.

James Ward-Prowse in action for England Under-21s. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“It’s going to be a great occasion for us, especially the Southampton boys to get out there and hopefully show the Southampton fans what the England Under-21s can do.

“For family and friends to be there as well it will be nice.

“To captain your country anywhere is great, but to do it in front of the Southampton fans and in a place that you know well and that I absolutely love it’s going to be a great honour for me.”

And his Saints teammate Stephens added: “It should be a good experience, obviously playing at St Mary’s. Being involved with my country is always an honour, and to do it at Southampton will be a good occasion.

“When we saw the fixture, we wanted to be in the squad and be involved, because it’s a home game for us essentially, so it’s quite exciting and one that I’m looking forward to.”