West Ham United star James Ward-Prowse may be given England call after Maddison injury news
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has withdrawn from the latest England squad with an ankle injury, leaving space open for the possibility of a call-up for West Ham star James Ward-Prowse.
Maddison’s role in midfield is now open for a replacement with fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia upcoming, and Ward-Prowse will provide a suitable option to fill the gap.
Maddison suffered an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for an extended period of time, leading to his withdrawal from the squad, but the door may now have been opened for one of the options left at home to step up in his absence.
The new arrival at the London Stadium has been left frustrated by Gareth Southgate’s calls so far this season, with his two goals and seven assists from 15 games this season proving he can perform to a top level.
Alongside Ward-Prowse, Crystal Palace star Ebere Eze could also be in line for the recall, but given his recent injury from which he returned for a 30-minute cameo against Burnley, he may not be risked just yet by Southgate.
The continued exclusion of Raheem Sterling from the England squad has been equally contentious as the call to leave Ward-Prowse out, and given Southgate’s tendency to play Maddison in a wider position, the Chelsea forward could also provide an alternative option.
Ward-Prowse, though, has earned this opportunity with some excellent displays for the Hammers, lot least in their 1-0 victory against Olympiacos at the London Stadium, where the midfielder recorded an assist and racked up a whopping seven key passes in a creative masterclass from midfield. [Sofascore]
If stats like that don’t catch the eye of the England manager, Ward-Prowse has no hope.
In other West Ham news, Gabby Agbonlahor has predicted the Nottingham Forest clash.
