The Southampton star, who has been an almost ever-present for Gareth Southgate’s side during their Euro qualifying campaign so far, fractured his foot during Saints’ game with Swansea City at the weekend.
Ward-Prowse picked up the injury playing for Southampton
Initially, both Saints boss Ronald Koeman and Ward-Prowse were hopeful that he would be back in action for this weekend’s game with QPR.
But scans have since revealed the fracture, which means the 19-year-old will miss England’s Euro play-off tie with Croatia next month.
"We're very disappointed about that, but that's football and that can happen," said Koeman, who had picked the Saints Academy product in every game this season until Tuesday night’s League Cup tie at Arsenal.
"It's unlucky but okay. The boy has to keep going and it's difficult because he had a great start to the season.
"But it's part of the football and he will come back."
Ward-Prowse had started all but one of the Under-21s’ Euro group qualifiers, until suspension forced him out of the win over Moldova earlier this month.
England take on Croatia over two legs next month, with the first game taking place at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium on Friday 10 October.
Tickets for are on sale now, priced at just £10 and £5 via the Wolves Ticketline on 0871 222 1877 or online here.
There are also ticket deals for groups as FA Charter Standard clubs can book up to 25 tickets here, while other groups can buy up to 15 tickets for a reduced cost here.
Wolves season ticket holders can pick them up for half price.
