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Southampton 2-1 Everton: Premier League – Three Match Takeaways

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton battles for possession with Lucas Digne of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton battles for possession with Lucas Digne of Everton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Nathan Redmond of Southampton celebrates with teammate James Ward-Prowse after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Nathan Redmond of Southampton celebrates with teammate James Ward-Prowse after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary’s Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

It can’t be long before England come calling

One of the most pleasing aspects of Hasenhuttl’s tenure so far is that there has been a young, English feel to his team. This is not to advocate a call to arms in preventing foreign imports to the Premier League but it is undeniable that the arrival of high numbers of international, ready made players has often been to the detriment of the development of young British players.

Striking a balance is imperative and it is vital that encouraging top talent from abroad coincides with bringing home grown players into the fold. England’s recent display at last year’s World Cup demonstrated that top flight teams putting faith in young English players can only be for the national benefit.

With Ings, Bertrand, Redmond, McCarthy, Ramsay, Ward-Prowse, Stephens, Targett, Gunn and Austin all around the first team squad, Southampton’s revival will surely be of interest to Gareth Southgate as he prepares for the Nations League finals this summer. If they can stay fit, one would imagine Ward-Prowse, Redmond and Ings could be genuine options for England alongside McCarthy who has already cemented his place in the international set up.

Ward-Prowse has been a revelation since Hasenhuttl took over and with the added tenacity and energy to his already impressive technical game, he could be heading to Portugal. Having played under Southgate at England under 21 level, Ward-Prowse will be hoping that his former manager has been monitoring his recent upturn in form.