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James Ward-Prowse has scored four goals in 15 England Under-21 appearances

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse is a "big prospect" who is part of England's future plans, according to national boss Roy Hodgson.

The England manager said that Ward-Prowse will be considered once he returns from the European Under-21 Championships in Hungary this summer.

Hodgson said: "He'll be in our thoughts because we like him very much."

The 20-year-old academy graduate signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Saints in January.

"We've kept our hands off him simply because of the Under-21s, but we know he's a big prospect," added Hodgson.

Ward-Prowse captained the Under-21s and scored the winner in a 3-2 victory over Germany last month.

He has played 24 times this season for Southampton, who sit sixth in the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat at Everton.