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Topics: England, Premier League, David Beckham, James Ward-Prowse, Southampton
Daniel Marland
Topics: England, Premier League, David Beckham, James Ward-Prowse, Southampton
David Beckham has responded to James Ward-Prowse after the Southampton midfielder admitted he one day wants to meet him.
Ward-Prowse whipped home a lovely free-kick in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion, taking his overall Premier League tally to 14.
It means he's now four behind Beckham, who holds the record for most direct-free kick goals with 18.
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The 27-year-old knows he has time on his side and one day wants to discuss the art of set plays in-person.
"My main motivation is to meet my hero who I loved when I was growing up," the Saints captain said. "If I do get that record, hopefully he'll reach out - but there's a long way to go just yet."
Beckham heard what Ward-Prowse had to say and gave him extra motivation to break the record.
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The former Manchester United midfielder posted to his Instagram story: "Looking forward to it mate. Another great one today, four more to go."
Ward-Prowse scored both goals to earn Ralph Hasenhuttl's side a point at the AMEX Stadium to take his season tally to nine.
Four of those have been free-kicks and that means he's one off Beckham and Laurent Robert's record of five in a single campaign.
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It's been a whirlwind 18 months for Ward-Prowse, who has become a permanent fixture in the mind of England manager Gareth Southgate.
He played five times in 2021 and scored twice, while also featuring in March's squad for friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
There's every chance he ends up in the Three Lions squad for this year's World Cup in Qatar if he keeps up his fine form.
Even then, you get the feeling the Ward Prowse's career highlight would be getting to break Beckham's record.
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He discussed the topic in an interview with PA and explained: "That would be an incredible achievement and it’s a good lesson for me in life that if you work hard at a particular skill you can reap the rewards of it.
"To beat someone like that I think would be incredibly impressive, but the funny thing is Beckham obviously went on to play in other countries and I’ve had a long time in the Premier League.
"I think it speaks a lot about his quality. It’s a good target to have in the back of my mind. I’d love to meet him one day and have a coffee and a chat and just pick his brains."
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Southampton sit 13th in the table with 40 points following this weekend's results.
Danny Welbeck opened the scoring inside two minutes before Mohammed Salisu's own goal doubled their advantage.
Ward-Prowse's strikes either side of halftime ensured the spoils would be shared.