JAMES Ward-Prowse insists he learns a lot just by being around the England international stars and it is an opportunity he must “not let pass by”, ahead of a potential 10th cap.

The 27-year-old Saints captain has been praised this season by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, who says the midfielder is always trying to improve his game and willing to learn.

His mental and physical strength have seen Ward-Prowse bounce back on an international stage after missing last year’s history-making European Championship run.

Ward-Prowse, who has scored 14 Premier League goals since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, is equally trying to impress boss Gareth Southgate – and book a flight to the 2022 Qatar World Cup in November.

Daily Echo: James Ward-Prowse scores his second goal for England (Pic: PA)James Ward-Prowse scores his second goal for England (Pic: PA)

The England squad is full of serial winners and regular European qualifiers – something he wants to bring back to Saints.

“I always come away from the England squad with a lot of respect for those in it and always feel like I’ve gained a lot being around those players,” he told the Daily Echo.

“It’s extremely special. I want to make the most of that opportunity, not let it pass me by, make the most of it and come back a more experienced player.”

Ward-Prowse has already been handed nine appearances for the Three Lions by Southgate, and has now been selected in each of his last three international squads.

Daily Echo: England manager Gareth Southgate (Pic: PA)England manager Gareth Southgate (Pic: PA)

He has registered two goals for his country, coming versus San Marino and Andorra in 2021.

“To be in and around that squad is extremely special,” the Saints academy graduate added.

“And I’m looking to make sure I can maximise as much of the opportunity as I can and take every ounce of the experience I can to develop my game.”

Ward-Prowse was the sole Saints star in the England squad at the time it was initially announced – but not any more.

Kyle Walker-Peters was given a first ever call-up when defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James pulled out of the squad through injury. The 24-year-old learned of this ahead of the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.

Daily Echo: Kyle Walker-Peters is the only right-back in the squad and could be set for a full England debut (Pic: Stuart Martin)Kyle Walker-Peters is the only right-back in the squad and could be set for a full England debut (Pic: Stuart Martin)

A further late switch was made with Sam Johnstone next to depart the squad, leaving a space for 34-year-old Fraser Forster to return to the international stage for the first time in nearly six years.

Ward-Prowse and his St Mary’s teammates could be involved at Wembley Stadium tomorrow, during the international friendly match with Switzerland (5:30PM).

Southgate’s side will then welcome Ivory Coast to the home of English football on Tuesday, March 29 for a nighttime (7:45PM) kick-off.