MIDFIELDER James Ward-Prowse has returned to Saints as a “fitness precaution” and will not feature in England’s World Cup qualifier against Poland tonight.

The Saints skipper featured in both of the Three Lions’ victories over San Marino and Albania, scoring against the former at Wembley to open his account for Gareth Southgate’s side.

He has however been ruled out of tonight’s contest against the Poles at Wembley, with England confirming he had been "rested".

A statement on Saints website read: “Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has returned to the club from England duty as a fitness precaution.

“The Saints captain featured in both of the Three Lions’ FIFA World Cup qualifying victories over San Marino and Albania in the past week, but will not take part in this evening’s qualifier against Poland, at Wembley.

“Ward-Prowse has nonetheless enjoyed another memorable spell with Gareth Southgate’s squad, netting his first goal at senior international level with the opener in the 5-0 win against San Marino, before coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 success in Albania, taking his total number of caps for England to six.”

Ward-Prowse has not missed a moment of competitive action for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men this season, having chalked up more than 3,000 minutes of match action.

He has played 38 times in all competitions for club and country already this campaign, scoring on nine occasions.

Captain Ward-Prowse was also ever present in Saints’ 2019-20 Premier League campaign.