Southampton failed to have a representative in the England World Cup squad when Gareth Southgate made the announcement earlier today, where one questionable inclusion from Manchester City was made.
Kalvin Phillips saw his name included in the 26-man squad for Qatar, despite playing just one minute of Premier League football this season following his £45m move from Leeds to the Etihad Stadium.
Southgate has clearly picked the 26-year-old due to past accomplishments, and James Ward-Prowse has every right to be furious.
Southampton man will be livid as Manchester City star preferred
Well, it looks as if Ward-Prowse has become a victim of Southampton’s struggles this season.
The Saints currently find themselves languishing in 18th place in the Premier League, although the 28-year-old has remained one of their best and most consistent players, playing every minute of the campaign so far.
Ward-Prowse has scored one goal and provided one assist in 14 Premier League appearances this term.
We are by no means suggesting that the Southampton No.8’s exclusion is a total travesty and he should have started every game in Qatar – that is simply not the case.
However, Ward-Prowse will surely feel hard done by to be left out while Phillips makes the cut, despite playing less than 100 seconds of Premier League football this season.
Southgate has previously handed Ward-Prowse 11 caps for England, so he clearly trusts him – the pair’s relationship even goes back to the Under-21 setup, as it was the Three Lions boss who handed the midfielder his debut at that level.
Ward-Prowse could have been a weapon for England
When it comes to tournament football, you don’t always have to play well to win. Games can be decided on fine margins, including set-pieces, which Ward-Prowse excels at.
The Southampton captain is arguably the best freekick taker in Europe, while his corner delivery is also devilish.
England scored most of their goals at the 2018 World Cup in Russia from dead ball situations, so it surely would have been worth taking Ward-Prowse, even just for a penalty shootout.
After hearing today’s news, the Southampton talisman will surely be livid – to say the least.
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