One has to wonder how much influence Thomas Tuchel has had in West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s call-up to the current England squad.
The Hammers skipper played in both September internationals but was dropped for the disastrous October fixtures by interim boss Lee Carsley. The omission probably did Bowen something of a favour given the tactical tinkering that cost the caretaker gaffer his job.
Carsley remains in charge of the Three Lions as Tuchel has decided to make a late start to England duties, for reasons best known to himself. However, I would be very surprised if he hasn’t had some input into the squad’s composition, which must be good news for Bowen.
Jarrod was unlucky not to score as a replacement for Harry Kane in September, and if he gets a chance against Greece or Ireland in the next two fixtures, he has to take it. Undoubtedly Bukayo Saka’s withdrawal from the squad has assisted in his call-up but I’ve always had the feeling that if Bowen gets a half chance to score for England he’ll not be found wanting.
Tuchel will be fully aware of Bowen’s qualities, having managed the Hammers’ London rivals Chelsea, and he’ll be watching England’s next two games very closely indeed.
West Ham’s Premier League form has been so poor this season that one could argue the Irons skipper doesn’t merit a call-up. Nonetheless, Bowen has still contributed, albeit within the parameters of a struggling team. It is surely past evidence that has factored into his selection for the November squad, indicating someone likes him.
Bowen will be keen to demonstrate that he can thrive when released from the shackles of Hammers duties. If Tuchel likes what he sees, then West Ham’s hero of Prague could be in for more trips abroad.
What garbage… If he’d had any influence Bowen would have been in from the start.. He’s only in for the injuries. Done little when in an England shirt.
It seems to me, successive England HC/managers have favoured youth over experience.
How much the FA are involved, how knows?
Southgate came from the U-21s and wanted to bring through his players, particularly if they played for Man U.
Carsley has done the same.
Tuchel may have a different policy, but I imagine the FA will ‘encourage’ him to pick high profile players from high profile teams.
Meaning that I can only see Bowen making the squad when others are unavailable.
I bet Taffyhammer is gutted Frank Lampard didn’t get the 🏴 job. 🤣
Frank is coming to lead West Ham United.
Love you Matt.
I mean… not really.
As the article points out, Bukayo Saka withdrew from the squad so Bowen is a like for like replacement. But Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish were all named ahead of Bowen and they all dropped out as well. So 4 attacking midfielders/forwards dropped out, Bowen was called up.
There were only 2 changes in the initial squad from Carsley’s last squad so either Tuchel has the exact same preferences as Carsley or it’s clutching at straws.
You do feel that he really has to carve out his opportunity and take it at this point. He’s always looked bright when he plays for England, but at this level, with the competition he has, he needs to deliver the goals and assists.
true but i can imagine the whole west ham team are lacking in confidence with this manager and sporting director is rubbish too
Brady & Sully are worse!