By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
This may not be an opinion I would want to air in either Jarrod Bowen or Danny Dyer’s household, but I am pleased the West Ham captain has not been selected for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
When players originally selected by the Three Lions head coach began dropping like flies, I became slightly concerned that Bowen might receive a late call. Five players have now withdrawn, yet Tuchel has instead added Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner to his group.
The truth is that Bowen could do with a break. West Ham will go three weeks without a game, giving their captain a rare opportunity to rest and recharge before the Championship campaign resumes.
Bowen deserves England consideration
Bowen probably does deserve consideration based on his form. He remains West Ham’s biggest attacking threat and continues to shoulder an enormous amount of responsibility for Nuno Espírito Santo’s team.
As Reuters confirmed, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have all withdrawn. However, there has been no recall for Bowen.
Tuchel has already demonstrated that he is prepared to select certain players who are based outside the Premier League or are not playing regularly for their clubs. Therefore, I am not convinced that Bowen’s Championship status would necessarily prevent a call-up if the England manager truly wanted him.
That said, it is completely understandable if Tuchel prefers to select players performing in the Premier League.
West Ham should benefit from the snub
Bowen may understandably view another England omission as a disappointment, particularly after missing out on the World Cup squad. From a West Ham perspective, however, it could be extremely helpful.
The captain can now step away from competitive football, recover physically and mentally, and prepare for what will be a relentless promotion campaign. As the Millwall draw demonstrated, the Hammers will require intensity, fight and stamina throughout a demanding Championship season.
Bowen is central to all of that. As unpopular as the opinion may be with the player himself, this latest international snub could ultimately benefit West Ham’s push for promotion.
This article shows the epitome of ignorance by the author. To be selected to play football for your country has to be the highest honour, the flies you mentioned who made there selves unavailable should be ashamed of there decisions. I think if Jarrod had been selected he would have been honoured and given his all as always, and returned to play for us on a higher level than he feels right now after being ignored. 3 weeks off, may sound ideal physically, but may not be the best right now, 3 weeks off after not being selected for your country could be a issue mentally, I sincerely hope not.
He has children Gonzo, there will be no rest for him 😊⚒️⚒️