England Under-21s captain James Ward-Prowse admits the squad were “buzzing” for super sub Duncan Watmore after Monday’s 3-1 win over Switzerland.
The Three Lions were trailing to a goal from Shani Barashaj at the break and finding it tough to break down their visitors with time running out.
But the introduction of Sunderland forward Watmore changed the game, as he won a penalty for Ward-Prowse to equalise from before scoring a second and then setting up a third for fellow sub Chuba Akpom.
“We’re delighted for Duncan tonight,” admitted Ward-Prowse.
England 3-1 Switzerland
UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifying Group 9 Monday 16 November 2015 Amex Stadium, Brighton
“He’s a fantastic, nice lad and a really good professional with a really good spirit about him and that game was perfect for him to come into - all of the lads are buzzing for him.
“And we had a laugh in the changing room as he [Gareth Southgate] gave us a shout of ‘Get in!’ after his little speech at the end so all of the lads were buzzing off it.
“I think we knew it wasn’t going to be easy and tonight was a real test for us.
“It was always going to be a difficult game, but we showed great spirit in the second half.
“We dominated the game for large parts and the manager made it clear at half time that we had to keep our spirits and our belief and we did that.
“We were disappointed to be behind, and off the back of the draw in Bosnia we knew it was a massive game to go top of the group and put it in our control.
“So going into March now, we have a bit of time to relax and look forward.”
The Southampton midfielder is one of the more experienced heads in Gareth Southgate’s squad having featured regularly throughout the last campaign before taking on the captaincy of the new group.
Duncan Watmore celebrates against Switzerland
And he admits that there’s a growing team spirit in place within the squad now, following the introduction of a new set of players.
“A few younger lads have come in since the summer and done terrifically well,” he added.
“It’s going take time and we’re not going to reach the levels we want to straight away so it’s a case of training well and getting to know each other more and more and tonight will help that journey.
“It’s always a nice honour for me and to lead them out is fantastic, it’s a pleasure to captain such a great group of lads.
“It’s helped my game and broadened my experience a little bit so I’m enjoying every minute of it.
“I want to try and nail down a permanent spot in the Southampton team, so to come away here and add to my experience and play is great.
“Becoming captain of Southampton is a target for me in the long term so to get this sort of experience now is going to stand me in good stead for that.”
