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After Trent Alexander-Arnold limped off injured against Austria last week, many fans were hoping that was the chance Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse needed to get his spot in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
Ward-Prowse started Sunday’s friendly against Romania and was one of the stand-out players for the Three Lions in their 1-0 win. However, that wasn’t enough for England manager Gareth Southgate.
Today, it was announced by the FA that former Southampton Academy player Ben White has been called up as the 26th man.
Brighton & Hove Albion defender White featured in both friendlies and has looked among the better England defenders in those games.
That, on top of concerns on form and injuries on called up players such as Tyrone Mings (another Southampton youth product) and Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire, you would assume Southgate’s hand was forced.
OPINION: What is Gareth Southgate thinking? James Ward-Prowse misses out on England Euro 2020 squad
However, that suggests that Southgate got his squad selection wrong in the first place.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, who could well be Ward-Prowse’s direct competition in midfield, looked off the pace on Sunday after his return from a groin injury that kept him out of action since February.
The Reds captain also missed a penalty for England in the Romania game. Though, he remains part of the England 26-man squad.
Now, Ward-Prowse can put his feet up and have a well-earned summer break ahead of pre-season.
If you would like to read a ranty piece about Ward-Prowse’s omission from the England Euro 2020 squad after the news initially broke, head here.