James Ward-Prowse used former England trio David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as his early inspirations.

The Saints player is currently in the midst of an excellent run of form which has seen him score six times in his last nine matches.

One of his clear strengths has always been set pieces, with Ward-Prowse netting in back-to-back games against Manchester United and Tottenham.

"The obvious ones come to mind: (David) Beckham, (Steven) Gerrard and (Frank) Lampard," he said of free-kick takers he admired.

"I watched videos of them but ultimately I created my own technique, what was right for me, a lot of hard work, a lot of hours on the training pitch.

Daily Echo: David Beckham in action for EnglandDavid Beckham in action for England

"It is nice to get moments in games like against Tottenham to win us the game, it is nice to see those moments paying off."

Gareth Southgate called Ward-Prowse a "world-class deliverer of set-plays" after omitting him from the England squad - comments the midfielder saw after finding out he had not made the cut last week.

The England manager did not hide his admiration for the midfielder, though, and joked that he was sometimes accused of being father of a player he previously named as captain of the Under-21s.

Southgate was senior manager when Ward-Prowse made his debut two years ago, with the midfielder returning to the fold as a more mature man and player.

Daily Echo: England boss Gareth SouthgateEngland boss Gareth Southgate

"A lot of things have happened in those two years," he said.

"I've had different managers and been in and out of the team. I've had difficult experiences and obviously there's been the birth of my son.

"I've had a lot of ups and downs, but I feel like I'm in the strongest position I've ever been as a person and as a player."