Team News: James Ward-Prowse to lead England Under-21s out against Italy Under-21s

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse has been named as England Under-21s captain ahead of Thursday's friendly against Italy Under-21s at St Mary's.

Ward-Prowse is one of two Saints players in Aidy Boothroyd's starting XI, with Nathan Redmond also drafted in to play from the off.

The interim Young Lions boss has made six changes from the 5-0 European Championship qualifying win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in October.

Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn and Arsenal defender Calum Chambers are among those coming into the starting lineup to take on the Azzurrini.

Chelsea's Tammy Abraham, who has impressed on loan at Bristol City this season, is on the bench.

England have not lost a game since bowing out of the group stages at Euro 2015 with defeat to Italy.

England Under-21s: Gunn, Hayden, Galloway, Chalobah, Chambers, Stephens, Baker, Ward-Prowse, Gray, Swift, Redmond Subs: Iorfa, Mitchell, Hughes, Hause, Watmore, Grealish, Abraham, Loftus-Cheek, Mawson, Winks

Italy Under-21s: Gollini, Conti, Barreca, Mazzitelli, Biraschi, Caldara, Pellegrini, Benassi, Petagna, Ricci, Di Francesco Subs: Cragno, Ferrari, Grassi, Somma, Cristante, Masina, Parigini, Garritano, Cerri, Rosseti, Vitturini, Capezzi