Pundit questions Gareth Southgate after ‘wrong’ decision made on West Ham star James Ward-Prowse

Gareth Southgate has got it “wrong” by not selecting James Ward-Prowse for the England squad on the back of his West Ham United form, according to Chris Sutton.

Speaking on Mail Sport’s It’s All Coming Up (8 September), Sutton claimed that the Three Lions boss’ omission will make the Hammers’ summer signing think he’d “never, ever” be selected for the national side.

Ward-Prowse has provided three assists and one goal in the Premier League so far this season and was one of two Hammers players alongside Jarrod Bowen to be omitted for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly with Scotland.

Sutton said: “The message which it sends to players like James Ward-Prowse, players who have started the season very, very well. I mean, he must think he’s never, ever going to get an opportunity to play for England again.

“I just, I think Gareth has got this one wrong. I understand the loyalty factor, but how can Gareth essentially judge these players?”

Southgate receives his fair share of criticism, but he is undoubtedly the most successful England manager in decades. His squad selections have been questionable at times, notably non-starters Harry Maguire’s and Kalvin Phillips’ repeat inclusion, but his record can’t be questioned.

Ward-Prowse has never been an England regular, making just 11 appearances since his first call-up in 2017, and has never been brought to a major tournament.

Southgate likes his regulars. It takes a lot for a player to get into the established squad, and it seemingly takes an awful lot to be removed from the side.

Yes, Ward-Prowse’s start to the season has been some of the best football he’s played – he would just need a free-kick goal to make it perfect – but Southgate’s decision shouldn’t come as a shock, and Sutton’s suggestion that he must feel he’d never play again seems like a stretch.

If the former Saint keeps up his form consistently, Southgate can’t, and won’t ignore him. But he has a lot to do between now and the summer to change Southgate’s mind.