JAMES Ward-Prowse described walking out for England as “the best feeling you can have as a player” as he expressed joy for clubmates Kyle Walker-Peters and Fraser Forster after call-ups.
James Ward-Prowse said: “Incredible, incredible. It’s the best feeling you can have as a player. To walk out and represent the country was incredible. And to be around those sorts of players and see up close how good these players are really inspires you to keep on striving to be in that environment on a more regular basis. So yeah, a really positive week and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It’s great to see your clubmates get their opportunity as well.”
While Forster did not make an appearance for Southgate, with Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope both completing 90 minutes, it was a surprise return for the giant anyway. Close friend of Ward-Prowse, Forster, returned to the England fold for the first time since 2017. His last cap came from an international friendly with Australia one year earlier. Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and West Brom’s Sam Johnstone both withdrew from Southgate’s squad to afford Forster the late opportunity.
James Ward-Prowse added: “I think Kyle has thoroughly deserved it – he’s shown great consistency and quality this year so I’m absolutely delighted for him. And of course to see big Fras up there was great. He’s my best mate, I know he’s been through some difficult times and a little bit of frustration not playing as much but you can see the confidence and the happiness that it’s given him. And he made some great saves versus Leeds to keep us in the game as well.”
The England group will next meet up for a busy schedule of four UEFA Nations League matches across 10 days at the start of June, following the conclusion of the football season. Ward-Prowse and Walker-Peters will hope to return with the group, while Forster will likely have to wait on the status of those goalkeepers ahead of him if he is to land another shock call-up.
