West Ham United: ‘Brilliant’ Jarrod Bowen verdict emerges ahead of England v Brazil
Frank McAvennie has tipped West Ham star Jarrod Bowen to be part of the England squad that travels to Germany for the European Championships this summer.
The former West Ham man insisted that Bowen’s performances have been good enough to earn him a spot in the squad, but stopped short of saying he’d be in the first team.
With England set to face Brazil at Wembley on 23 March, Bowen could be handed an opportunity to impress Gareth Southgate, who McAvennie thinks will be a fan of the forward.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – said Bowen has been “brilliant” this season, and his versatility could help him in his bid for selection.
“I think if you look at some of the players that they’ve got… I think he should be in the squad, the way he’s going and the way he’s playing, but I don’t think he’ll get in the team,” McAvennie shared.
“There’s a couple of boys in front of him I think. He’s certainly done well, and he can play different positions, he’s the kind of player Southgate would like. That might get him in, it might sway it, but I don’t know.
“But he’s done brilliantly, whether he gets in or not, I think he’ll be so happy with his season and what he’s done. It’ll really top it off if he gets to Germany. But I wouldn’t be too concerned if he didn’t.“
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Bowen’s inclusion in consecutive England squads surely suggests he will be included in the final squad to go to Germany, and while the likes of Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane may be ahead of him, his versatility makes him a very useful asset.
As McAvennie said, Bowen has had a brilliant season at the London Stadium and can take plenty of pride in his performances, but a call-up ahead of the Euros would be the perfect end and what he has deserved this year.
With England set to face Brazil, and the likes of Saka and Kane both ruled out through injuries, Bowen could be handed his opportunity to impress Southgate and make certain of his position in the squad this summer – although he is set to start from the bench.
The forward’s performances have earned him high praise this season thanks to his 14 goals and three assists all while learning a new role under David Moyes, but if he isn’t in the England squad, it will come as a blow both to him and West Ham.
In other West Ham news, Michail Antonio could quit the London Stadium this summer.
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