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James Ward-Prowse ‘shouldn’t’ be in England team, better for West Ham United ace to be ‘left out’ - expert
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham star James Ward-Prowse is better off being left out of the England squad entirely.
The verdict from the pundit comes after the midfielder was once again left out of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad.
England take on Malta and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying action on Friday (17 November) and Monday (20 November) respectively.
Hammers star Ward-Prowse was not handed a call-up for the games, but his club teammate Jarrod Bowen was included once again.
And while McAvennie feels sorry for the former, he believes Ward-Prowse would not get a game anyway given the usual presence of fellow midfielders Jude Bellingham and James Maddison.
The regular Three Lions pair have, however, withdrawn from Southgate’s squad due to injury, although Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips have been included once again.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I feel sorry for Ward-Prowse because of the England situation, I really do. Everyone is saying he should be in the England team. He shouldn’t, because although he’s doing excellent, ever so well, I look at that England team and think ‘Oh, who would you take out?’
“I’d put him in the squad instead of Phillips, because he shouldn’t be getting a game because he’s never playing. And I’d put him in instead of Henderson because he’s in a country that doesn’t play football now.
“But other than that, he’s still not going to get a game, he’d just be in the squad, so it might be better for him to be left out entirely. You’re not going to move the players in front of him, like Maddison or Bellingham.”
In other West Ham news, Hammers scouts have watched a European trio in action, with their clubs now braced for bids.