International Saints: How Southampton’s players fared on the international stage last night

Yesterday was a positive day for a number of Southampton players as they represented their countries on the international stage.

Saints captain James Ward-Prowse was named a starter for England against San Marino in their World Cup qualification fixture on Thursday evening.

While he was playing against European football’s minnows, the midfielder netted his first England goal and put in an impressive performance for the Three Lions.

Ward-Prowse also hit the post with one of his trademark free-kicks from range, thanks to a good save from the Sammarinese goalkeeper.

The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes and is competing for a place in England’s midfield for the upcoming European Championships.

Elsewhere, Saints duo Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams featured for Scotland in their qualifier against Austria.

Armstrong started for Scotland, playing 66 minutes before being substituted for his Southampton teammate who was making his debut for the country after switching his allegiances earlier in the month.

Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Scotland bravely battled back twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Austria at Hampden Park on Thursday evening.

As for Saints centre-back Jan Bednarek, started for the Poland national team last night.

He and his teammates also had to fight hard, coming from behind on two occasions to draw away at Hungary 3-3.

On-loan forward Takumi Minamino kicked the day off well for Southampton’s international players.

Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

Minamino, who is presently at Saints on a temporary basis from Liverpool, featured for Japan as his country recorded their first victory over South Korea since 2013 with a 3-0 win.

Saints youngster Alex Jankewitz was also in international action for the Switzerland Under-21s.

He played all 90 minutes and impressed for the Swiss in their 1-0 victory over their English counterparts.