James Ward-Prowse has reiterated his desire to make the step up to senior international level having once again missed out on a place in Roy Hodgson's squad.
The Southampton midfielder has started half of his club's Premier League games this season and is currently Gareth Southgate's captain for the England Under-21s, but he is still waiting for his first senior call-up for the Three Lions.
Hodgson has previously hinted that Ward-Prowse is in his future plans, and the 21-year-old believes that recent call-ups for the likes of Dele Alli and Eric Dier bode well for his own chances of breaking into the squad.
"I was made aware of [Hodgson's comments] and it was very nice to see but until I'm in the squad and playing for him and the first team I can't really settle on that," Ward-Prowse is quoted as saying by PA.
"It was nice to hear and it's added motivation that if I can keep my performance levels for club and country I'll make the step up. [Dier and Alli] are two good friends of mine, especially Eric, and they have been in fantastic form for Tottenham.
"They've deserved their call-up and it's inspiring and promising for me to know friends of mine and fellow team-mates are getting the opportunity. If I can replicate my form for Southampton and continue my progress for the Under-21s hopefully that will come."
England Under-21s will take on Bosnia-Herzegovina U21s on Thursday before hosting Switzerland U21s on Monday.
Barney Corkhill
