New England boss Lee Carsley visited West Ham’s Rush Green training ground last season, where he met with his former Everton manager, David Moyes.
At the time, the former Toffees midfielder was still managing the England U21 team. He had travelled down to catch up with his old mentor and observe some of West Ham’s training sessions. This visit was recounted by West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen last week during the build-up to England’s internationals against Ireland and Finland.
After the session, Carsley spent time chatting with Moyes in his office, though the details of their conversation remain private. However, it’s likely that Bowen, who had been playing more frequently as a striker for the Irons, came up in conversation.
It’s probably no surprise then that Carsley deployed Bowen as a striker rather than a winger during England’s 2-0 victory against Ireland in the Nations League. With Ivan Toney out of the picture following his move to Saudi Arabia, Carsley’s decision to switch Bowen’s position makes a lot of sense.
Bowen hinted at a potential change when discussing the new England boss after his first training session. “He’s earned the opportunity to be here with what he’s done with the U21s,” Bowen said. “It’s only been a couple of days, but the training has been good. It’s exciting: a new manager, new structures, new ways, new beliefs.”
If Bowen features as a striker against Finland tomorrow, it could be significant not only for his national career but also for his future at West Ham.
By crikey you guys so want Bowen to become a striker. I’m personally not convinced but it’s the drum you’re going to keep on beating and you might get your way. I can’t see it lasting. Yes he is faster than Füllkrug but probably not as strong though, a different attribute.
Bowen loves to cut in onto his left which is where many of his goals come from and like we can all see it happening I’m sure defenders can too, they just can’t do much about it. Down the centre he’ll get doubled up on more easily.
Yes he needs coming off the wing and more of a supplier and Kane up front and not to drift back either, But I like palmer when fit off right.
He is so desperate to score for England maybe trying to hard but it’s a team game so needs to pass then try to score, hope he scores soon and not on goal drought.