text: For a young man who has spent his career under the radar, the scene outside the Riverside Stadium on Monday night was symbolic. James Ward-Prowse had just led England Under 21s to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Germany, scoring the winner after a remarkable 34-pass move. That should have guaranteed he would be besieged by well-wishers on his way to the team bus but, on this occasion, serenity reigned. ‘I enjoy signing autographs and giving something back to the fans,’ said Ward-Prowse with a smile, ‘but it was dead! There wasn’t a soul around! It was wet and windy, so everyone decided to go home.’ James Ward-Prowse is beginning to get noticed after starring displays for England U 21s and Southampton . The Saints rising star was speaking in an interview with Sportsmail's Dominic King (left) Ward-Prowse poses with the ball outside of Southampton's impressive Marchwood training ground . The quiet life suits Ward-Prowse. He started at Southampton trying not to be noticed — he and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain used to travel on the same train from Portsmouth to the academy hiding their club tracksuits — and has been happy making progress away from the public gaze. The thing is, though, his situation is beginning to change. More and more people are becoming aware of this talented young midfielder who can bend free-kicks like David Beckham, but he is now ready for the journey to begin. From the moment he sits down at Southampton’s Marchwood training ground, the impressive facility on the edge of the New Forest, it is clear that the buzz he got from sinking Germany has not yet subsided. ‘I couldn’t sleep afterwards,’ said Ward-Prowse. ‘I was up until 4am. The rush of adrenaline was unbelievable. I just kept running through the goal in my mind and the celebration with the lads. I was lying down but I just couldn’t shut my eyes. ‘I decided to stay up in Middlesbrough as I thought I would get a good sleep before flying back down here but there was no chance of that. As soon as I saw the goal had been tweeted I was watching it and reliving it. It was surreal, something every kid dreams of doing.’ Ward-Prowse scored the winner in England U21s memorable 3-2 victory over Germany . The 20-year-old admits not being able to sleep for thinking of his goal on the night after the match . Ward-Prowse celebrates after scoring a stunning free-kick against Brazil in Toulon last year . Not every kid, however, gets the chance to live out their dreams. Ward-Prowse, now 20, is one of five children and grew up a Portsmouth fan until Southampton’s scouts spotted him when he was eight. His father, John, is a barrister but young James had only one ambition. ‘When I was little I’d kick balloons or socks around,’ said Ward-Prowse, whose Saints debut came as a 16-year-old against Crystal Palace in the League Cup in 2011. ‘Dad took me to football but there was never any sense I would follow him. ‘I was taken to my first game at Fratton Park. I was so tiny I just remember sitting on dad’s knee eating sweets! But I made the decision (to switch allegiances) based on my career. I knew this was the right place to be. I’m at a club that trusts you to go out and play.’ His progress has been consistently striking and those who have worked with Ward-Prowse all say the same: he is a professional in every sense, someone who wants to squeeze every last drop out of his ability by doing everything right. ‘The club has changed a lot since I’ve been here but nothing changed for me personally,’ he said. ‘I never want to have regrets. I aim to make sure I have given it my all and that I become the best I can be.’ The former Portsmouth fan makes his debut for Southampton in 2011 Carling Cup match against Palace . The talented midfielder has earned a reputation as a free-kick specialist at St Mary's . Saints boss Ronald Koeman, who could take a mean free-kick himself, has given Ward-Prowse some tips . That involves relentless practice, particularly with set-pieces. Former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino saw Ward-Prowse’s potential in that area and last summer, representing England in the Toulon Tournament, he scored a free-kick against Brazil that a Brazilian would have been proud of. He has continued to hone his technique at Marchwood and there have been pointers from current manager Ronald Koeman, a man who knows all about producing a telling free-kick when needed. ‘As soon as he was appointed I looked for his goals on YouTube,’ said Ward-Prowse. ‘He could strike a free-kick, couldn’t he? He gives advice on where to put the ball and the mind games you can play with the keeper. ‘I take a bag of balls out on my own. I won’t hit too many as I don’t want muscle fatigue but I read about Steven Gerrard and David Beckham hitting free-kicks after training and that is what I do. They were my childhood heroes. ‘I have tried to follow in their footsteps because that is the level that I want to reach. I put a bib in the corner of the net and try to hit it. My accuracy isn’t too bad. If you are taking 10, you want to be hitting the bib six or seven times. ‘I used to watch all Beckham’s goals on YouTube. There are bits of his technique which I have tried to implement. I also think he is a top role model. I haven’t met him but I’d love to get some advice from him. He is a fantastic guy. ‘I got Gerrard’s shirt. I’ve met him but never had a proper chat. Being up against him on the opening day, I was thinking, “Wow — it’s Steven Gerrard, my boyhood idol”. Those two are tremendous characters, men I will always admire.’ Ward-Prowse’s long-term ambition is to emulate his heroes by captaining England but he also realises that becoming firmly established at Southampton and helping England at this summer’s European Under-21 Championship are the first peaks to conquer. Ward-Prowse practises his free-kicks diligently in the hope of reaching the standard of David Beckham . Beckham takes one of his trademark free-kicks for England against Northern Ireland . The Southampton youngster battles for the ball against childhood idol and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard . At Marchwood it is impossible to escape the feeling that Southampton are going to be in the top flight for some time and the same could be said about Ward-Prowse, who returned from a broken foot earlier this season to sign a five-year deal. ‘It showed the faith the club have in me but also the faith I have in the club,’ he said. ‘They have put a lot of time and effort into making sure I am the person and player I am today. I want to pay that back. It’s a great club to be at.’ With the interview over, a few photographs are required and as the shots are being taken, an eagle-eyed coach has spotted what is going on. ‘F****** hell, Prowesy!’ comes a shout. ‘Scored a goal have you?!’ Ward-Prowse joins in the laughter but moments like this show that he will not be able to hide under the radar for much longer.
target: James Ward-Prowse scored the winner for England U21s against Germany .
  Southampton youngster practices free kicks like David Beckham and his childhood idol Steven Gerrard .
  Saints boss Ronald Koeman has been giving him tips on dead balls .