James Ward-Prowse 'to be new England Under-21s captain'

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse is to become the new England Under-21s captain, according to reports.

The 20-year-old is believed to be Jack Butland's successor and according to Daily Mail journalist Dominic King on Twitter, the Saints player will wear the armband whenever he is with the squad.

Gareth Southgate's squad had their first training session together yesterday ahead of their friendly against the United States Under-23 side on Thursday, but their reported new captain missed out to rest after being in Premier League action at the weekend.

Ward-Prowse has made five appearances in all competitions so far this season for Southampton and has earned 13 caps with the Under-21s, scoring three goals.