West Ham ace James Ward-Prowse must be fuming after Gareth Southgate latest England decision

HomeStats & Tactics Wed 20 March 2024 21:40, UK

Despite a dip in goal involvements recently, James Ward-Prowse has continued to perform at the highest level for West Ham.

The former Southampton captain has often been overlooked by Gareth Southgate throughout his many seasons at senior level, being awarded just 11 caps since March 2017.

It is difficult to deny that the England squad called up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium is stacked to the top with talent. But the most recent update feels like a slap in the face for the Hammers midfielder.

Kobbie Mainoo receives first England call-up over West Ham United star Many fans expected that Ward-Prowse would be involved in the next Three Lions squad, possessing an eye for goal, brilliant dead-ball technique, and an ability to lead by example.

However, Southgate has chosen to snub the 29-year-old once again, also leaving his Hammers teammate Kalvin Phillips at home.

With an 89 per cent pass completion in the Premier League this season, as per FotMob, Ward-Prowse is one of the most consistent passers of the ball in the top tier.

In addition to this, the Hammers man ranks in the top 99 percentile of midfielders in the top five European leagues for assists, making him an ideal threat for England. [FBref]

It is not just his attacking work, and comfort on the ball, that should entice the Three Lions staff, though. He also boasts a 68 per cent tackle success, with only Kurt Zouma, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus bettering him in David Moyes' squad. [FotMob]

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Ward-Prowse also ranks in the top 76 percentile for clearances, showing that he can do the same box-to-box job as any of the other midfield choices. [FBref]

There is an argument to be made against Ward-Prowse when Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison and Declan Rice have all been chosen.

Of course, Jordan Henderson was always likely to secure a spot in the squad due to his tight-knit relationship with the manager. But after it was announced via England's official website that Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo would be called up, the West Ham man has every right to be fuming.

This is not to take away from the obvious talents of Mainoo, who has been one of the Red Devils' best players this season, but the 18-year-old is yet to feature for England U21s, making the massive leap from U19s.

At such a young age, the Red Devils' prospect has a lot of room to develop into. And that will be needed to battle at the top level, with Mainoo ranking within the top 53 percentile for tackles in Europe's top five leagues, as well as in the top 54 percentile for interceptions. [FBref]

With such an important competition on the horizon for England, it is almost as if Southgate has completely forgotten about Ward-Prowse.

He has continued to perform in the Premier League, with five goals and seven assists after transferring away from relegated Southampton in the summer, maybe flying too far under the radar.

James Ward-Prowse has had a largely successful first season at West Ham With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier out of the squad due to injury, Ward-Prowse could have provided England with an extremely deadly set-piece taker and a solid choice in the middle of the park.

Instead, Southgate must take a minute to review his choices and should be left feeling embarrassed after leaving Ward-Prowse out of the latest England squad.

In other West Ham news, a rival club is looking to sign an exit-bound Hammers ace after advice from a former England star.