SAINTS skipper James Ward-Prowse was an unused substitute as England were relegated from the A tier of the Nations League.

Gareth Southgate’s side continued their woeful 2022 form, with a run of five competitive games without victory as Giacomo Raspadori’s second-half strike proved decisive for Italy.

Out of England’s five Nations League games this campaign, Ward-Prowse has featured just once, playing the full 90 minutes in the return fixture that saw England share a 0-0 draw with Italy at an empty Molineux.

The Three Lions survived the opening onslaught from the hosts, with West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca striking the woodwork for the closest chance of the first half.

After subduing the Italian’s first waves of attacks, England enjoyed more possession, but Southgate’s side were unable to create anything of note.

In the end it would be a long ball over the top that proved England’s undoing. Leonardo Bonucci’s punt from the back found Raspadori, with the Napoli striker keeping his cool to slot beyond stand-in ‘keeper Nick Pope.

Pope then denied former Saints favourite Manolo Gabbiadini with the away side still scrambling for an equaliser that never came.

With just two points from their five games, Southgate’s side are now four points adrift of their next opponents, Germany, who visit Wembley on Monday, September 26.

As such England are relegated, and will play in the second tier of the Nations League.

The fixture against Germany will represent England’s final game ahead of the World Cup in November, perhaps representing Ward-Prowse’s last chance to impress and secure his spot on the plane.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook