England vs Poland: James Ward-Prowse out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for World Cup qualifier

Southampton midfielder has returned to his club, rested by the Three Lions as a fitness precaution

England and Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse (The FA via Getty Images)

James Ward-Prowse will not be part of England’s squad to face Poland in tonight’s World Cup Qualifying match at Wembley Stadium, with the FA saying the 26-year-old is being rested as a “fitness precaution”.

The Southampton midfielder has returned to his club as a result.

Ward-Prowse started in the first of the Three Lions’ three qualifiers this month, scoring his first international goal as England thrashed San Marino 5-0 last Thursday.

He was substituted at half-time in that game, then came off the bench for the final 20 minutes as Gareth Southgate’s side secured a 2-0 away win against Albania on Sunday.

Ward-Prowse has been in fine form for Southampton this season, scoring seven times and recording five assists in 29 top-flight appearances for the Saints. The midfielder, who has particularly impressed in dead-ball situations, faces stiff competition to make this summer’s England squad for the rescheduled Euros, however.

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The Three Lions’ wins against San Marino and Albania mean they sit atop their qualifying group for next year’s Qatar World Cup – two points ahead of second-placed Poland, whom they take on this evening.

Poland will be without injured Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice against Andorra in the Poles’ last outing – a 3-0 home victory – before limping off.