JAMES Ward-Prowse has backed England colleague Phil Foden to go a “long, long way” after his starring role in the World Cup qualifying victory in Andorra.
Playing alongside the Saints captain, Foden ran the show against the Group I minnows, twice picking out fine passes which led to Ben Chilwell and Bukayo Saka scoring on the way to a 5-0 win.
Tammy Abraham added a third before Ward-Prowse tucked home the rebound after his penalty was saved and Jack Grealish completed the rout with his first England goal.
But it was the display of 21-year-old Foden which caught the eye.
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“I thought he was brilliant,” said the Saints skipper.
“It was probably one of the first times I’ve played in a game with him. He’s brilliant to have on your team.
“He wants the ball all the time, You can see his natural ability with the ball. He made a few wonderful passes with his left foot, dinking it over the defensive line of Andorra.
“You can see he has an abundance of quality. He has a good head on his shoulders as well. He is going to go a long, long way in the game for sure.”
Ward-Prowse started in a deeper role with Foden and Jesse Lingard ahead of him as part of a three-man midfield.
A ninth senior cap came despite Ward-Prowse having initially missed out on Southgate’s squad before being called up as a replacement for the injured Kalvin Phillips.
“Of course you want to be in the squad straight away,” he said.
“Every player wants to be in it but there is so much competition for places and so many quality players that it becomes increasingly difficult – but injuries happen and I am grateful to be a part of the squad again.
“That’s all you can do. Regardless of the opposition or what circumstances you are put in it is to be there to take your chance and be ready and I feel as if I have made a positive step.”
England are in World Cup qualifying action again tonight, when they welcome Hungary to Wembley Stadium (7:45PM).
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