James Ward-Prowse withdraws from England squad as ‘fitness precaution’

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse will not play in England’s World Cup qualifier with Poland to night.

According to a statement released by Saints, the midfielder has returned to the club as a “fitness precaution”.

Ward-Prowse featured in England’s victories over San Marino and Albania on this run of fixtures, netting his first goal for the Three Lions against the former last week.

“Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has returned to the club from England duty as a fitness precaution.

“The Saints captain featured in both of the Three Lions’ FIFA World Cup qualifying victories over San Marino and Albania in the past week, but will not take part in this evening’s qualifier against Poland, at Wembley.

“Ward-Prowse has nonetheless enjoyed another memorable spell with Gareth Southgate’s squad, netting his first goal at senior international level with the opener in the 5-0 win against San Marino, before coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 success in Albania, taking his total number of caps for England to six.”

Southampton have a key game against Burnley coming up this weekend and will be sweating on Ward-Prowse’s fitness.

26-year-old Ward-Prowse has been a key fixture for Saints under Ralph Hasenhuttl as manager and has been ever-present for the club these last two seasons.

The last time Ward-Prowse didn’t play the full 90 minutes for Southampton in the Premier League was their 3-0 away loss to West Ham United on 4 May, 2019.