Wayne Rooney shares Jarrod Bowen verdict after development away from West Ham
Wayne Rooney believes West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen should have been omitted from England’s EURO2024 squad in favour of Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.
Speaking on The Overlap’s Euros Fan Debate with Sky Sports, Rooney said that Grealish offers a different kind of threat to Bowen, as well as adding a better balance to the squad.
Bowen was one of several players chosen by Gareth Southgate who play their club football on the right of the attack, with Rooney suggesting that England are overcompensated in that position.
He said: “Grealish? I would have taken him to be honest.
“I think with Bowen on the right, they’ve got Saka, they’ve got Cole Palmer; Foden can play out there.
“I would’ve taken Grealish instead of Bowen, just to give a bit more balance. I think he brings something a bit different.”
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen wins England place on merit
There’s no doubting that Bowen has had a better season than Grealish in almost every discernible way, other than his side’s collective trophy haul.
30 goals and assists across all competitions, including 16 and six apiece in the Premier League alone, have contributed to the best season of Bowen’s top-flight career at the London Stadium [Garth Crooks].
Grealish, meanwhile, managed just three goals and assists each throughout the campaign, making 36 appearances overall but being left on the bench for City’s 2-1 loss in the FA Cup Final.
The 27-year-old has gone from strength to strength since making his England debut in 2022, and though he’s yet to score in his eight caps, he has the potential to explode in his first international tournament.
Bowen deserves his place on the plane to Germany regardless of the performances put in by anyone else at club and international level, and despite not being top of the pecking order, the West Ham superstar will grasp his England opportunity with both hands.
In other West Ham news, one player’s exit from the club is now more likely after his recent display.
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