James Ward-Prowse makes an impression as he sets his sights on David Beckham’s record
James Ward-Prowse has made a name for himself in recent months imitating the biggest names in English football on and off the pitch.
he Southampton skipper has established himself as one of the best set pieces in the world after years of studying David Beckham’s technique and emulating it in training, which has paid off.
Ward-Prowse is now just six goals shy of his boyhood hero’s Premier League record of 18 goals from direct free-kicks – a mark the midfielder would like to surpass.
“That would be an incredible achievement and it’s a good life lesson for me that if you work hard on a certain skill, you can reap the rewards,” said the 27-year-old Saints captain.
David Beckham became famous for his free kick (Gareth Copley/PA)
“Beating someone like that would be incredibly impressive in my opinion, but the funny thing is Beckham has obviously played in other countries and I’ve been in the Premier League for a long time. I think that speaks a lot for its quality.
“It’s a good goal to keep in mind.
“Being English and seeing the magical moments he created in an England shirt, he was the one I would run into the garden to try and emulate and copy.
“I also had some of his hairstyles and the boots.
“I’d love to meet him one day and have a coffee and chat and just dig through his brains. Hopefully he can report hopefully if I can match the record. We will see.”
As an Englishman and seeing the magical moments he created in an England shirt, he was the one I would run into the garden to try to emulate and copyJames Ward Prowse on David Beckham
While Ward-Prowse has managed to get close to Beckham’s exploits on the field, he hasn’t been able to add him to his list of impersonators.
The midfielder caused quite a stir last month when he gave Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher his impressions of the former England pair in a pitchside interview following Southampton’s win against Norwich.
When asked if imitation was a hidden talent, Ward-Prowse said with a laugh: “Yes, you could say that!
‘I can just be like a general Scots, Irish, Welsh. I’ve just had a knack for it since I was a kid. It’s a good icebreaker, especially when new players join.”
Ward-Prowse has a few new faces to impress in the England camp as Gareth Southgate’s men kick off their World Cup pre-season with friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
Ward-Prowse continues to shine for Southampton (Kieran Cleeves/PA)
He is certain to add to his nine caps in the coming days and is determined to bring his case home for Qatar, having watched Euro 2020 from his sofa after being dropped from the provisional list.
“Missing the summer and sitting at home and watching the boys succeed has been difficult and I’m making sure I don’t miss another one,” he said.
“It was (painful) but it’s football, it’s life. You can’t always have what you want.
“It came after a really positive season with Southampton. I knew I’d given everything I could and done enough to get into the squad, but it wasn’t to be.
“But I know I played a part in the preparation, no matter how small, I did my part to help the team. And it was great to sit at home and see them succeed.”
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/james-ward-prowse-making-impression-as-he-fixes-sights-on-david-beckhams-record-41481168.html James Ward-Prowse makes an impression as he sets his sights on David Beckham’s record