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Bowen ‘felt sick’

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Jarrod Bowen admits he felt sick before making his England debut.

The Hammers winger was called up to the Three Lions squad for the very first time last week and won his first cap against Hungary.

Bowen turned in a promising performance, with flashes of attacking brilliance, but England lost the game 1-0 in Budapest.

Hungary’s first win over the Three Lions in 60 years was mostly deserved, with Gareth Southgate’s side struggling to find any fluency in their attacking play.

And the Irons star admits that seeing his name on the teamsheet left him feeling somewhat sick, although he quickly settled into the game in the white shirt.

Quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: “He (Southgate) put my name up on a board and I kind of felt sick straightaway to see my name up there. But I was excited, as well as nervous.

“I think it’s good because it’s something I’ve wanted to do forever so it’s good to be nervous and I kind of used those nerves when I got out there.

“It helped me settle in, have a few touches of the ball and then just continue what I’ve been doing for West Ham, I think.”

Bowen also says that he was comfortable once he was out on the pitch and playing alongside the likes of Harry Kane, Harry Maguire, and Mason Mount.

The Irons winger added: “I felt comfortable.

“Of course it’s different to what I’m used to playing. I’ve never played international football before.

“It was about doing what I’ve been doing this season. Not changing my approach to the game, not changing the way I play, exactly how I’ve been playing all season and just doing it on it a bigger stage, really.

“Of course it was special playing for your country. It’s just a bit disappointing with the result in terms of mixed emotions with making my debut but losing the game.

“But of course first and foremost making my debut for my country…I’m delighted.”

England face Germany on Tuesday before taking on Italy next weekend.

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A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.