Darren Bent makes James Ward-Prowse prediction after West Ham United star snub
Darren Bent has predicted that James Ward-Prowse won’t be called up for England unless something goes “drastically” wrong, after the West Ham United star’s latest snub.
The Hammers midfielder was left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the November international break, having also missed out on the Three Lions’ squads in September and October, despite his good start to the season.
While many have questioned the decision to leave the 29-year-old out, given he has five goal contributions in the Premier League and a further four Europa League assists, Bent has admitted that he is no longer surprised by the midfielder’s absence.
Speaking on talkSport on Thursday (9 November, 16:09) Bent said: “I’m getting used to seeing that now and that tells me that unless something drastically goes wrong, Ward-Prowse won’t be there. That is poor.
“I think there are others in the squad I think ‘Why are you there?’ There are some I just can’t get my head around, Kalvin Phillips is not playing for Manchester City. He’s almost like fifth choice and you’ve got people like Ward-Prowse that are there playing really well for West Ham.
“There are players that deserve opportunities and they’re just not getting them.”
No longer a shock
Unlike when Southgate named his England squads in September and October, there was little fanfare or shock when Ward-Prowse’s name wasn’t included in the Three Lions squad for November as many like Bent have come to accept his absence.
How the England boss can leave out the West Ham man in favour of the likes of Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips is questionable, but it does feel as though it is a situation that is unlikely to change no matter what Ward-Prowse does at club level.
The Hammers midfielder has been one of the Premier League’s brighter performers this season and although both his own and West Ham’s form has dipped in recent weeks, there is little doubt that he is a better choice for England than those named in Southgate’s squad.
For David Moyes and his side, they have to see this as a blessing as it allows them to keep their talisman with the squad over the international break and massively reduce the likelihood of him picking up an injury between fixtures.
While it may be a curse for Ward-Prowse to consistently be snubbed, it could prove to be a blessing for the Irons in the long run.
In other West Ham news, David Ornstein has shared an update on Moyes’ future at the London Stadium