Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement left many confused as they wondered why Ward-Prowse, one of England’s premier set-piece takers from Southampton midfield, had been overlooked for West Ham teammate Jarrod Bowen and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher despite their expertise taking set pieces.

Owing to his impressive start at West Ham, his absence was even more unexpected. He played a pivotal role in setting up Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen’s goals in their recent 3-2 win against Forest thanks to his precise deliveries.

Why?

Gareth Southgate’s decision not to include Ward-Prowse after his excellent start to the season is puzzling. In just eight games after joining West Ham from Southampton for PS30m summer move is astounding. Ward-Prowse has scored two goals and made six assists – an astonishing record.

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His early season form has been remarkable; leading the Hammers in shots on target and crosses (albeit with limited accuracy), Ward-Prowse also plays an integral role in how Ralph Hasenhuttl sets up his side; taking set pieces and finding teammates making forward runs with accurate passes.

Ward-Prowse stands out among set-piece merchants for his unique technique of striking crossed set-pieces, running up at an unusual angle and hunching over to hit them, making it difficult for defenders to track his flight and read his ball. Furthermore, he leads English players in terms of set-piece opportunities created and expected assists.

Gareth Southgate’s preference for set-piece merchants

Ward-Prowse’s absence is reflective of Southgate’s overall selection process, wherein he tends to favor players that he knows well and has worked with in the past, such as Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher (despite only playing 17 times for Chelsea this season and contributing two goals directly) being selected over Jordan Henderson playing for Saudi Arabia and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips – even though Ward-Prowse is West Ham’s most influential player).

Ward-Prowse will likely baffle his detractors. A complete midfielder who excels both defensively and offensively, with an eye for finding his team-mates’ forward runs via accurate passing, Ward-Prowse was key in how Saints played under Ralph Hasenhuttl and has taken that style with him into his new club.

His lack of Premier League experience

Ward-Prowse was given no chance in England’s Euro 2024 squad despite having spent his whole career at Southampton under Pochettino, Koeman and Puel. It seemed an unjustified decision, which only seemed more puzzling after hearing that England had named an alternate squad containing him for that tournament.

Creative midfielder that has long been one of the finest players in England. Extremely gifted and charming to watch, with an ambitious drive towards success.

West Ham purchased him this summer for PS30 million and already he has provided two goals and seven assists (Transfermarkt). Since assisting Jarrod Bowen to score against Forest last weekend it seems puzzling why Southgate has not picked him as an England squad member; surely he would fit right in alongside Declan Rice, Phil Foden Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips? Regardless it is unfortunate he won’t get the opportunity to demonstrate his talents more fully; more so as he deserves it more than most!

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His club form

Southgate’s decision not to include Ward-Prowse in his latest England squad is puzzling given his stellar play with West Ham this season. The 28-year-old midfielder scored one goal and created two more during a loss at Manchester City and set new records for chances created and crosses sent in.

Ward-Prowse has been overlooked in favour of Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson from Al-Ettifaq and Liverpool respectively; when asked about being left out of England’s squad following West Ham’s Europa League win against Freiburg. When queried further about this matter by reporters after West Ham’s Europa League triumph. Ward-Prowse fired back with some subtle digs against both players he competes with at club level.

Ward-Prowse was substituted at half time against Southampton due to a sore throat, yet may return for Sunday’s match against Newcastle. If so, his anchoring role could help Ralph Hasenhuttl implement his preferred formation without using possession; something which Oliver Skipp or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg would find more difficult.