West Ham United players saddened by James Ward-Prowse development amid surprise at London Stadium
West Ham United are “surprised” by Gareth Southgate’s omission of James Ward-Prowse in his latest England squad, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Writing via his Daily Briefing on Sunday (8 October), Romano reported that the in-form 28-year-old’s teammates are also saddened by the news.
England’s squad was announced on 5 October, with Southgate opting to name Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips and Saudi Arabia flag-waver Jordan Henderson instead of Ward-Prowse. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen was, however, included in the 26-man squad for games against Australia and Italy.
Romano said: “Sources at the club are very surprised that James Ward-Prowse has been overlooked by England.
“The expectation at the club was to see JWP appearing in that list as he’s doing great, so West Ham were surprised and also some teammates are sad for James as it was a big opportunity for him.
“But it’s life, he’ll keep pushing for sure.”
Ridiculous
Ward-Prowse has made eight appearances in all competitions since joining West Ham and has averaged a direct goal contribution every single game.
He’s assisted six goals and scored two of his own while before joining the Irons, he also set up a goal for Southampton in his one and only Championship appearance for them this term.
What’s more impressive is that Ward-Prowse’s two Premier League goals have been against high-fliers in Brighton and Manchester City while he grabbed two of his assists against Chelsea on 20 August.
It’s ridiculous that Southgate would overlook Ward-Prowse when Phillips can count on one hand how many minutes he’s played this season for Man City, Henderson is in semi-retirement in the Middle East and Conor Gallagher is simply going through the motions at Chelsea.
Stats by Wyscout show that Ward-Prowse ranks ninth in the Premier League for expected assists (xA) with 2.06. James Maddison is the only English midfielder with more but he’s also played one more game.
In other West Ham news, one London Stadium star could well be forced out by Moyes in January after what he did against Freiburg.