PROWSE THAT ROARED

James used pain of missing out on Euros to fire him up for his best season at Saints

JAMES WARD-PROWSE claims Euro heartbreak inspired the best season of his career.

Now the Southampton captain is hoping his form will get him a fresh chance for England at the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Ward-Prowse will start against Italy in the Nations League today, a year on from being cut from the provisional squad for the Euros.

Rather than sulk and let it get him down, the England midfielder used it as a motivating force and enjoyed a terrific season at St Mary’s, which has got him back in the England picture.

The 27-year-old said: “I try to use disappointments to fuel that fire within me to make sure I learn from that situation and I improve. It was a big disappointment but I wasn’t going to get into the next World Cup squad by feeling sorry for myself.

“It was difficult to watch the team doing so well because I was so close to being part of it, but equally I was over the moon to see them doing so well. It’s just a case of making sure I do everything I can to be in that squad.

“I was really happy with my season leading up to that. It was always in the back of my head that I was playing for a place in the squad, but I felt as though I had done enough to be in.

“But to be around the squad, to help them prepare, to help them be ready for the Euros, was a big honour for me and I played my part, however small it was, in helping them prepare.”

There is no doubt that England manager Gareth Southgate (with the midfield star, above) rates him highly and he has also gained a new fan in David Beckham, who messaged him on social media. WardProwse is closing in on Manchester United legend Beckham’s record of 18 goals from free-kicks in the Premier League.

“I was having an Indian after one of the games and a friend sent it to me and I couldn’t really believe it, that the guy I idolised was in contact. But four more to go and I’ll be level,” said Ward-Prowse, who believes setpieces could make all the difference at international level.

“I think he (Beckham) scored 60odd free-kicks in his career and only got 18 in the Premier League so in terms of comparison it’s a bit of a strange one. He played a lot more of his career outside England

“Set-piece delivery is my biggest strength, something I work on throughout the week, something I want to improve.

I can definitely bring that to my club side and hopefully England as well.”

Ward-Prowse will have only a three-week holiday after the Nations League campaign finishes but he is one player who will not be moaning about a short summer break. He added:

“We’re back on July 6 so I’ll get about three weeks. I’m not sitting here saying anything negative about the schedule. I grew up dreaming of football.

“You have the opportunity to play for England now, and then go back into pre-season. It’s the best job in the world.”