JAMES Ward-Prowse admits he is looking forward to getting some much-needed game time under his belt for England Under-21s after a mixed end to the season with Saints.

Ward-Prowse, the under-21s' captain, heads to France for the annual Toulon Tournament keen to get some important minutes under his belt.

The 21-year-old midfielder has threatened on a number of occasions to break into the Saints team and establish himself as a mainstay in Ronald Koeman's side.

However, after having to make-do with a place on the bench for the last ten games of the season, he is ready to make the most of his opportunity with Gareth Southgate's side.

"I’m looking forward to it," he said. "It’s a chance to get some game time, get some more experience and hopefully win a tournament, which would be nice.

"It’s a possible five games in ten days, so physically it will be a task. It’s a great tournament. I’ve played there before and just looking forward to pulling on the England shirt."

The academy graduate looked to have made a breakthrough after netting twice in a 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion in January, which included a superb free-kick.

However, he was to start just three more games following his Baggies display, but is looking to change that next term.

"I’d like to have played more, but we’ve got great competition within the squad, especially in the midfield area," he said. "You've got top quality players, but it’s a sign I need to do more or do something else to get in the team.

"It’s something to have a think about in the summer and attack next season."

The young Three Lions start their Group B campaign tonight against Portugal before taking on Guinea on Monday, Paraguay on Wednesday and Japan on Friday.

Depending on their progress, Ward-Prowse and his fellow Saints team-mates Matt Targett and Jack Stephens, who are also in the under-21s team, will go to the final or play in the third-fourth play-off.

Last year England came fourth with Ward-Prowse winning player of the competition and goal of the tournament.

"We ended up finishing fourth, but it was a great experience and going back again we can use those experiences from last time to really help us improve and hopefully get a bit of silverware," he said.