West Ham United: Phil McNulty shares if James Ward-Prowse could now receive England call-up
Phil McNulty believes it’s “very doubtful” that West Ham ace James Ward-Prowse will make the England squad for Euro 2024.
Asked in his Q&A on the BBC Sport website on Monday (18 March, 12:49pm) whether the England international has been harshly treated not to receive more call-ups, he admitted that the midfielder deserves to have been named in more national team squads over the years.
But after Gareth Southgate has decided to look elsewhere and omit him from the latest squad, he added that it will be “interesting to see” if the Three Lions boss turns to the 29-year-old should there be any injuries this week, with Jordan Henderson picking up a knock playing for Ajax on Sunday (17 March).
“I do think James Ward-Prowse should have been included in more England squads in the past but it does seem Gareth Southgate has decided to look elsewhere,” said McNulty. “It will be interesting to see if he turns to him should there be any injuries this week.
“I think he was left with no option other than to exclude Kalvin Phillips. His form has simply not been good enough and Jordan Henderson picked up an injury playing for Ajax at the weekend.
“I can see why you would advocate Ward-Prowse but I am afraid I am very doubtful he will make the Euro 2024 squad.”
James Ward-Prowse unlikely to receive England call-up amid West Ham form
There was certainly a call for Ward-Prowse to be included in the England squads towards the back end of last year after his early form for West Ham.
The midfielder had an excellent first few months in a Hammers shirt and his omission from the side caused plenty of debate amongst interested onlookers.
But unfortunately for the Englishman, his form hasn’t been great in this calendar year and he’s recently lost his place in the starting lineup under David Moyes.
While that has largely been due to him playing out of position, the chances of Southgate including him after he’s been in a difficult spell seem incredibly unlikely given that he wasn’t favoured when he was at the peak of his powers.
The door probably isn’t entirely closed for Ward-Prowse, but just like his Irons teammate Kalvin Phillips, he needs to focus on getting his form right at the London Stadium and everything else will take care of itself.
In other West Ham news, Jim White and Simon Jordan have been caught in an explosive row over a Hammers controversy.
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