JWP: Use Toulon victory as a 'springboard for next summer'

James Ward-Prowse says England Under-21s want to use their victory at the Toulon Tournament as a springboard for more success.

The Southampton midfielder captained the Three Lions to a 2-1 victory over hosts France on Sunday, to complete a record of five wins from five games in the famous competition.

And after the initial euphoria of lifting the trophy had died down, Ward-Prowse was quick to use that joy as a step to further success with the Euro Finals in sight next summer.

James Ward-Prowse, Matt Targett, Matt Grimes, Calum Chambers and John Swift with the Toulon Trophy

“I think it’s a day that we’ll never forget and for me it’s been my best achievement so far,” he told FATV. 

“And, collectively as a team, it’s a positive sign and it can act as a real springboard now for us to kick-on and head towards next summer.

“It’s been a good and successful two weeks, as we’ve won but as a group we have bonded really well.

“This is a great win, but it’s just a springboard for us next year. We want to build on this success, increase our relationships and move forward.”

Ward-Prowse revealed that watching Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Athletico Madrid the night before Sunday’s final in Avignon gave him and his squad mates the inspiration to win, albeit on a smaller scale.

And whilst the 21-year-old ranks the victory as the best moment of his short career so far, he’s now got a taste for more.

“I’ve never done that before in my career and the amount of times you watch teams lift trophies, like the Champions League the night before, you want to be in that position,” he admits.

“You see the likes of Real Madrid winning trophies and that’s the sort of thing that we as players want to be doing too and playing at the highest level.

“Everybody has contributed as well, all of the players and staff, and it’s certainly been the most memorable thing of my career so far.”

Watch the full interview with Ward-Prowse in the media player below.