West Ham United: Sky Sports Pundit gushes over 'perfect player' Jarrod Bowen in England verdict
Dean Ashton is full of praise for Jarrod Bowen, suggesting that the West Ham ace should be chosen over Marcus Rashford for England.
There is no doubt that the 27-year-old is experiencing one of his best-ever seasons, boasting 18 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Able to deputise as a centre-forward, away from his natural winger position, Bowen has become an exciting talent at the London Stadium and could be utilised by Gareth Southgate in upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.
Speaking live via Sky Sports News on Wednesday (20 March, 10:25am), Ashton said: "Being able to switch from a winger into a centre-forward is really impressive, very, very impressive.
"And to still have the consistency in scoring goals and creating, he has got a great attitude. He is probably the perfect player to have around.
"Because of the levels he has reached, and the consistency levels, I think he would be in my [England] team over Marcus Rashford - he has been consistently better.
"The only problem for Gareth Southgate and Bowen is that in that position, across the forward line, there are some exceptional young players. It's really unfortunate for him, as he needs to go above and beyond to get in the squad."
Does Jarrod Bowen deserve a spot in the England squad due to his West Ham United form?
The short answer - absolutely. Other than Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins, it would be tough to argue that any other English forwards have been in better form in front of goal.
Dominic Solanke, who has not been called up by Southgate, is the only other English forward in the Premier League with more goals this season, making it all the more impressive by his position change.
Due to Michail Antonio's long-term injury earlier in the season, David Moyes took a chance in switching his star winger to a striker role, which seems to have paid dividends ever since.
Though the Hammers have struggled for form in 2024, the club remain in seventh place, three points behind Manchester United, as well as confirming their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.
The attacking combination of Bowen with Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Antonio has the potential to form an extremely dangerous attack, showcased in the 5-0 thrashing of Freiburg on Thursday 14 March.
Having only claimed five caps for his country so far, Bowen certainly deserves to be handed more starts for the Three Lions, especially if Rashford were ever to be axed from the squad.
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