West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen came on as a second-half substitute as England beat Wales 3-0 at Wembley.
In what was very much a game of two halves, Bowen got a run-out with the Three Lions already comfortably ahead after a sizzling first half. Bukayo Saka — Bowen’s direct rival for the right-wing spot — scored with an incredible curling effort, but it’s fair to suspect manager Thomas Tuchel will have been pleased with what he saw from the Hammers man.
Bowen Stays in World Cup Frame
Bowen looked sharp and eager to take his chance, and on another day he would have registered an assist after a smart run and through-ball to Anthony Gordon.
The West Ham winger will surely remain in contention for Tuchel’s World Cup squad, particularly if the Hammers can pick up some form for the remainder of the season.
One has to feel a little sorry for Bowen, whose quality stands out even among the top-class players in the England squad. But Tuchel clearly rates him — as his continued selection demonstrates — despite West Ham sitting at the bottom of the Premier League.
Bowen is never a first choice and as a result does not get the same opportunities as Saka etc. If he doesn’t get on the score sheet against teams like Wales, I see that as an opportunity to impress gone and ultimately those will count against him. I just hope he does enough to get on the plane to the US and then gets a chance, similar to Geoff Hurst over Jimmy Greaves.