#PLStories- James Ward-Prowse set to re-ignite Zaha ‘rivalry’ and wants best mate Forster with him #SAINTSFC #CRYFC

JAMES Ward-Prowse is set to face long-time footballing foe, Wilfried Zaha, if named to start by Gareth Southgate tomorrow, joking: “It’s a great rivalry.” The Saints skipper and Crystal Palace forward have had a number of run-ins on the pitch during their Premier League battles – including helping Zaha get himself sent off at St Mary’s. The 29-year-old former England international, who switched allegiances to Ivory Coast in 2017, played 85 minutes of their last-minute defeat in France on Friday. Zaha has 21 caps for his country, scoring five goals, and could make a return to the Wembley Stadium pitch in the international friendly on Tuesday March, 29. Ivorian international Wilfried Zaha (Pic: PA) Ward-Prowse, who was England under-21s captain under Southgate, is set to win his 10th senior cap in the Three Lions’ first match against non-European opposition since November 2018. “I think it’s a good way of helping us prepare for the tournament and, yeah, of course, I mean, it’s a great rivalry, I suppose,” Ward-Prowse said with a laugh. “But I have the utmost respect for him. He’s a fantastic player and he’s somebody that we have to be wary of. I think it’ll be an exciting game. To be playing a different nation is definitely exciting.” Southgate is planning changes against the Ivorians, which could mean goalkeeper Fraser Forster makes his first England appearance since May 2016. Fraser Forster in England training (Pic: PA) Injuries to stoppers Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone led to the 34-year-old’s surprise return to the international set-up. Ward-Prowse is delighted for his close friend after coming through adversity to impress between the sticks for Saints this season. “He’s obviously been on a difficult journey in the last few years,” the 27-year-old added. "He’s my best mate and I’m absolutely delighted for him. "He’s worked incredibly hard as well. He’s had some difficult moments along his footballing journey but he’s shown a lot of persistence, and his quality as well. “You can see the presence that he holds on the pitch and he gives everybody that confidence. I’m absolutely delighted for him and hopefully he can make the most of his opportunity this week.”