Andros Townsend hits back at James Ward-Prowse argument over West Ham United star
Andros Townsend has hit back at the calls for Gareth Southgate to include West Ham midfielder James Ward-Prowse in his England squad, claiming he isn’t at the required level.
The Luton Town winger listed key names in the squad such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Conor Gallagher, questioning which of them you would leave out in favour of Ward-Prowse.
Townsend claimed it’s easy for people to criticise Southgate for his squad selection, but suggested when it comes to picking the squad, it would be difficult to get the Hammers man in.
Speaking on BBC Sport’s Monday Night Club show, Townsend questioned: “He’s having an incredible start to the season, but who do you leave out in an attacking sense to put him in the squad?
“I think that’s the problem. We mention the names Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher who is more box-to-box. It’s not like we’re picking scrubs ahead of him, we’re picking world-class players. Jude Bellingham is one of the best centre midfielders in the world at the moment.
“So it’s easy to criticise Southgate, but who does he leave out in an attacking position to include James Ward-Prowse?”
It’s not the stars you worry about
Not even the most biased West Ham fan would claim Ward-Prowse should be in the England side in place of Bellingham. Or even Foden, Declan Rice, or Gallagher for that matter.
The issue arises when the likes of Kalvin Phillips are selected, despite a lack of minutes and continuous disappointing displays for their clubs. So while, no, Ward-Prowse wouldn’t get in over those world-class names, there should still be a role for him in Southgate’s plans.
Even if the boss doesn’t view him as a starting player, there can be no argument his performances so far this season have warranted international recognition. With nine assists in all competitions already for West Ham, what more can he do?
Townsend has got a point with what he said, but skipping over the fact that Southgate will always choose to select his favourites over better-performing players misses the key issue with his lack of selection.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has claimed there was a plan in place to sack Moyes.