James Ward-Prowse admits England call-up not on his radar after latest Three Lions snub from Gareth Southgate

West Ham United's James Ward-Prowse admits England honours aren't on his radar after receiving yet another snub Gareth Southgate.

The midfielder hasn't featured for his country since winning the last of his 11 caps in June 2022, when the Three Lions drew 0-0 against Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

He's since moved to the London Stadium from Southampton, joining the Hammers for a reported £30m fee in the summer.

And despite playing a starring role for David Moyes' side this season, Southgate has left the 29-year old out of his squad to face Malta and North Macedonia this month.

"I'm not thinking too much about that," he told TNT Sports after West Ham's victory over Olympiacos in the UEFA Europa League.

"I think there's a couple of things you have to consider to get in the England squad. First of all, you have to be playing regularly, and then it's up to the manager to decide whether I'm playing to the right level.

"I am certainly my own worst critic at times, I know when I am and when I'm not. I've been ticking both boxes in my opinion and ultimately the call's not come. But I'm loving it here and I'm just focused on doing what I can for West Ham."

Ward-Prowse played a key role in the only goal of the game, teeing up Lucas Paqueta to fire the hosts in front in the second half.

The result means David Moyes' side are guaranteed European football after Christmas, although whether that will be in the Europa League or the UEFA Europa Conference League is yet to be decided.

It was Ward-Prowse's performance that left the TNT Sports pundits purring though, with Carlton Cole left bemused as to how the midfielder isn't part of Southgate's plans.

"I'm bewildered," he said. "He should be in that squad. He's been playing out of his skin since the start of the season. He's one of the top assist makers in the Premier League. He hasn't actually had to bed in. He's just come in and done his job.

"The thing about Ward-Prowse that I like is that he's not in the newspapers for the wrong things. He's not one of those footballers that are flashy. He just gets on with his job, does his job professionally and then goes home and chills and waits for the next game. He consistently does it.

"I'm gutted for him that he's not being recognised in the England squad, because he's the epitome of a top pro."

Joe Cole, meanwhile, believes the midfielder's pathway into the Three Lions squad is blocked because of the number of other high-quality centre-midfielders.

"He certainly can feel aggrieved," he told TNT Sports, "because when you're playing as well as James is, and you play as consistently well as he's done, you can expect to be given an opportunity.

"On the flip side of it, Gareth has got an abundance of players in that position. It's a tough one to take for James, I fully understand, but I think that's just a sign of where we are as a nation now.

"Ultimately, England keep winning and keeping winning and keep winning, so for any players on the fringes, it's very difficult for them to say 'give me my chance'. I feel for him, I really do."

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