Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has tipped two of his young stars to break into the full England squad in the near future.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to West Ham United, the Dutchman had high praise for full-back Nathaniel Clyne and midfielder James Ward-Prowse, tipping them to be stars of the future for England.
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Koeman, who represented his country at the highest level on 78 occasions, has tipped the due to make the step up to senior level in the near future.
Tipped for the top
On Clyne, Koeman confirmed his attacking nature would take him a long way and that he had a big future ahead of him if he maintained his current progression.
“I think yes because both players are English players and play at Premier League level and in my opinion Clyne out of his position of right full back is playing very good. He’s an offensive right full back with a great future in front," he said.
Clyne was tipped to make the most recent squad announced this week by boss Roy Hodgson, but no call came with ex-Southampton teammate Calum Chambers and Danny Rose getting chosen for the full-back slots.
Bright future ahead
As the conversation moved onto midfielder Ward-Prowse, a young man who has been drawing comparisons to David Beckham of late, Koeman alluded that if he kept his ambition and quality that he has been showing, then the call would surely come.
“Ward-Prowse is still young, in the under-21 squad, and it’s a great future for him if he keeps his ambitions and this quality then a call will come for the national team," he confirmed.
“It depends on the players. As a coach I always choose the best players for the line-up and Hodgson will do the same for the national team.
“You have to show your qualities on the pitch and if you do that then you will be near,” the Dutchman added.
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