Different ‘fortunes’ mooted for West Ham United star James Ward-Prowse if playing for top 6 Premier League club
West Ham star James Ward-Prowse may have been called up for England if he was playing for a top-six Premier League club, according to Sky Sports journalist Zinny Boswell.
The midfielder has not been selected by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for their matches against Australia and Italy this month.
Southgate has instead chosen Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kalvin Phillips.
“James Ward-Prowse is an obvious candidate to replace Phillips,” Boswell wrote for Sky Sports. “He was overlooked again for England despite his six assists for new club West Ham this season. Had Ward-Prowse moved to a top-six club, his fortunes may have been different.”
Poor decision
Omitting Ward-Prowse once again is a very poor decision from England manager Southgate, who continues to select Phillips despite his lack of playing time at Manchester City.
Even if the Hammers man would not be a starter, which is likely given the presence of star midfielders Rice and Bellingham, he could still make an impact from the bench.
Moreover, there is nobody in the squad who matches Ward-Prowse when it comes to his set-piece ability, with international matches often won in this area.
The player will undoubtedly be disappointed at the decision from Southgate, but somewhat selfishly, it is a boost for West Ham and their manager David Moyes, who would not have wanted Ward-Prowse to pick up an injury had he been chosen, which is often the case when players leave for international duty.
The former Southampton captain will still be raring to go in claret and blue when they take on Aston Villa in their first game back.
In other West Ham news, one Hammers player has sent a two-word message to Eden Hazard after his retirement news.