JAMES Ward-Prowse believes his first Premier League goal is not far away after firing the England Under-21s to a thrilling comeback win against Germany.

The Saints midfielder completed a fine week as captain of his country by hitting the winning goal as the U21s twice came from behind to beat Germany 3-2 at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.

Ward-Prowse’s 82nd-minute strike ensured a second win in four days as the U21s continued their impressive preparations for this summer’s European Championship finals in the Czech Republic.

He reckons his goal bodes well ahead of Saints’ big game against an Everton side including his England U21 roommate John Stones.

Ward-Prowse said: “It’s been a memorable week, the goal was just what I needed and hopefully I can take that confidence into the Everton game. Scoring goals is something I’ve always wanted to add to my game and this weekend is a good chance to do that with the confidence I have from knowing I can score.”

Ward-Prowse’s winner was his first for the U21s from open play, his two previous goals having been from free-kicks.

But it is now more than three years since his first and so far only Saints goal, in what was only his second appearance in the first team - a 2-1 win FA Cup third-round win away to Coventry City in January 2012 “I’ll always remember that, it was a memorable season being the year we were promoted and it was a good time for me to get the goal,” he recalls. “It came from one of Adam Lallana’s trademark tricks and a cross.

“I can remember the ball going over the defender’s head and wheeling away and celebrating with the lads. As a young lad it was special, it’s every boy’s dream to do that sort of thing.”

Ward-Prowse is just as proud of his U21s winner against Germany. It has been chronicled as ‘a 12 yard-strike’ but that does not do it justice. “It came at the end of a 35-pass move so it was a memorable goal,” he said.

“Hopefully there are more to come.”

Ward-Prowse was also delighted for teammates Shane Long and Graziano Pelle, who scored against Poland and England during a prolific international break for the club.

Standing in their way at Goodison Park today (Saturday) will be Stones, one of England’s most promising young defenders.

“I shared a room with him when I was away and we had a good bit of banter about the upcoming game,” smiled Ward-Prowse. “He’s a very good player. He comes out of defence and plays some great passes, he’s a got a good attitude and a good head on his shoulders and works very hard. I’m sure he’ll be a top player for England in years to come.”