James Ward-Prowse believes the current crop of youngsters can help change the fortunes of English football.

While England’s senior team were losing 1-0 to Germany at Wembley on Tuesday night, it was a different story for the under-21s, who recorded their biggest ever win, with a 9-0 romp over San Marino in a Euro 2015 qualifier at Shrewsbury, writes Simon Peach.

“Enjoying football is the main thing along with winning,” said Saints midfielder Ward-Prowse, who scored the fourth goal with an exquisite free-kick.

“Every day in training the sessions are good and we are enjoying it. That is being replicated in the game.

“(Gareth) Southgate and (assistant manager) Steve Holland have brought a renewed confidence to the team and I think everyone is going out and playing with belief and character.

“I feel there is a real change amongst us. We are heading towards changing the fortunes of English football.”

Not only did Ward-Prowse net against San Marino, but he also captained the under-21s for the first time after Jack Butland was substituted at half-time. It is an honour to play for my country, but to have the armband as well was great,” he said.

“It was nice of Jack to hand it down to me at half-time. It is something I am wanting to do on a more permanent basis.

“In the future that is a role I consider myself taking on and that is something I am working towards.”

Ward-Prowse’s focus now switches from country to club, with third-placed Saints visiting Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.

“It is a top-of-the-table clash,” the 19-year-old said. “It is weird to say that, but it is a great game and everyone is looking forward to it.

“The manager and the staff have put real big confidence in us that we can go and win no matter what the opposition is. We will be going out to win the game, for sure.

“I think we are getting used to the attention, but we have got to keep working hard and keep our feet on the ground. The sky is the limit for us.”