English newspapers react to Jarrod Bowen display after West Ham United man plays in England v Australia
West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen started for England on Friday night as the Three Lions narrowly beat Australia in a friendly at Wembley.
Ollie Watkins marked his return to the England side with the winner as Gareth Southgate’s side overcame Australia in a tepid friendly clash with several changes made ahead of their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday (17 October).
Bowen, 26, was one of those key changes, making his fifth international and played the whole 90 minutes as the Three Lions struggled to break down a resilient and spirited Socceroos side despite the win.
English media piled on the verdicts on the Hammers star after the full-time whistle.
The Evening Standard gave Bowen a 6/10 rating for his performance, “Looked lively in the opening exchanges at a rain-swept Wembley, but faded, never to return to prominence here. Worked hard but couldn’t get into a rather flat match.”
The Daily Express wasn’t so generous in their ratings and gave Bowen a 5/10 rating writing: “An England recall was deserved after an impressive start to the season with West Ham. However, Bowen struggled to impact the game from the right wing.”
The Daily Mail also opted for a 6.5/10 rating and said: “Great links with Gallagher, didn’t see enough of his running in behind but always willing.”
Impact
England’s win over the Aussies certainly left a lot to be desired as Southgate’s fringe stars more or less struggled to make an impression or force his hand for Tuesday’s critical against Italy.
We didn’t see the best of Bowen on Friday night, the man who has started this campaign in phenomenal form for his club with five goals and two assists in all competitions so far.
The 26-year-old certainly did have his moments as he linked up well with Conor Gallagher on a couple of occasions on the right flank to create crucial openings but it certainly wasn’t enough, despite the result.
However, Bown will of course be given the benefit of the doubt given it’s his first cap since the 1-0 loss to Hungary in June 2022.
Whether he starts against Italy on Tuesday remains uncertain but one of the first names Southgate will call to rescue England if things go pear-shaped is the West Ham United star. He’s that incredibly reliable.
In other West Ham news, a journalist has revealed what he’s been told about the club’s plans in the January transfer window and an “alternate” role for one big-money London Stadium signing.