James Ward-Prowse believes England Under-21s have a good chance of winning this summer's European Championship, with or without Harry Kane.
Gareth Southgate names his provisional squad for the upcoming tournament in the Czech Republic on Wednesday morning, when the main talking point will revolve around Tottenham's golden boy.
Kane has enjoyed a fairytale season, having risen from third-choice striker at his boyhood club to plunder goals aplenty and score 79 seconds into a dream England debut.
It could get even better if he spearheads the Under-21s to success this summer, but Spurs have understandable concerns about burn out given Sunday's trip to Everton is set to be his 53rd appearance for club and country.
Tottenham's complaints are weakened somewhat by a post-season tour to Malaysia and Australia, ahead of a tournament which Kane played an integral role in getting the Young Lions to.
Under-21s team-mate Ward-Prowse would understandably prefer the in-form striker to be included, but believes they have the strength in depth to succeed even if Kane does not come with them.
"I think Southgate has built a group that is built on team spirit and good camaraderie," the Southampton midfielder told Press Association Sport. "We've got that.
"It is a real joy to play for England and go away with them. Everybody is excited to go and hopefully win the tournament.
"The manager has geared the preparation well around tournament football and making sure we get a good test of all sort of teams.
"There's no excuses for not doing well at the tournament. It is up to us to go and perform under pressure on the big stage."
The Under-21s' performance this summer will be even more under the spotlight following the embarrassment of Israel two years ago. Defeats to Italy, Norway and Israel saw them crash out at the group-stage and, following the senior team's World Cup struggles, and Ward-Prowse knows the players need to kick on.
"You can see the promising youngsters we've got coming through the youth set-up," said Ward-Prowse, who was part of the England side who finished bottom at their Under-20s World Cup group in 2013.
"We've had a good record all the way through recently and good individual games. It makes this an exciting time for us."
Few surprises are expected when Southgate names his squad, although it will be interesting to see whether the Under-21s boss goes against the desire of clubs by selecting the likes of Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley.
The former is more likely to be included than the latter - although Barkley's Everton team-mate John Stones could be - given experienced, eligible senior internationals are set to be overlooked in favour of consistency and team spirit.
Raheem Sterling, Phil Jones, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fall into that category - news which Arsene Wenger certainly expects.
"Calum Chambers, I hope that is it," the Gunners boss said of Arsenal's players being selected. "I don't think (Wilshere or Oxlade-Chamberlain) will be involved. I have had no indication.
"First of all, Jack Wilshere - is he available? I think he will go with the full national team.
"Oxlade-Chamberlain at the moment is not available. I looked this morning and since January he has played one game, so the first challenge for him is to be fit first..
"Of course you want England to do well. I want Gareth Southgate to do well with his team. They have good young players.
"The situation in England is not negative with the young players. The quality has gone up, it is important now England can win a tournament like that."
Wilfried Zaha has strengthened his case for a recall with recent displays for Crystal Palace, but Connor Wickham, Jonjo Shelvey and Josh McEachran, who featured in Israel, are expected to be overlooked.
Hull's Tom Ince also featured in that tournament but informed Southgate in March that he no longer wants to be considered by the Under-21s.
Source: PA
