James Ward-Prowse confirmed as new England Under-21s captain

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been selected as the new captain of the England Under-21 side.

Reports earlier on Tuesday claimed that the 20-year-old would be chosen as Gareth Southgate's new skipper, and the Football Association has now confirmed that he will succeed Jack Butland in the role.

Ward-Prowse has previously captained the Three Lions at Under-19 and Under-20 level, and will lead the Under-21s on the road to the 2017 European Championship in Poland.

Quoted on the FA's official website, Southgate said: "James captained us last year in a couple of games and he is one of a couple of the more senior and experienced players who could have done it [permanently].

"His values are good and his ability as a player makes him an exciting prospect, and he integrates well with the other players.

"We saw with Jack [Butland] last year that we had an excellent captain because he brought that group together, and James will be the captain for the period that he is with us."

Ward-Prowse, who has scored three goals in 13 appearances with the Under-21s to date, is expected to lead the side in their friendly against the US Under-23 side in Preston on Thursday ahead of the first European Championship qualifier against Norway on Monday.