Micah Richards makes 'massive' Bowen claim at West Ham after what happened for England
Micah Richards has claimed that Jarrod Bowen's goal for England will be "massive" for his confidence ahead of a West Ham return.
Bowen scored his first England goal in their 5-0 hammering of Ireland on Sunday (17 November), finding the net just 30 seconds after being introduced.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast (18 November) Richards expressed the importance of the goal.
He said: "He's a player who plays really well for West Ham week in and week out. You just think is he going to lift it to international level and getting that goal will be massive for his confidence now going forward.
"They've just got so many good players in that position, it's difficult for him."
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen has England capabilities
Although England have various options in his role, with the likes of Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, Bowen will still get opportunities to thrive on the international stage.
While his performances so far this season at the London Stadium have been perhaps below his usual standards, he has still showcased himself as a serious attacking threat and his inclusion in future England squads will only help the side.
With five goal contributions this campaign, Bowen has still been one of the standout performers under Julen Lopetegui and his performance against Ireland showed exactly why.
He is the kind of player that can produce a match-winning spark out of nowhere and that will be crucial for the Hammers if they are to improve from their early-season form, which has seen them win on just three occasions.
With the next international break in March, Bowen has plenty of time to secure a level of consistency in his performances at club level, giving Thomas Tuchel the dilemma when picking his squad.