West Ham United: Darren Bent names Jarrod Bowen amid Marcus Rashford England verdict
Darren Bent has insisted West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is one of several players who could take the place of Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford in the England squad.
The former Premier League striker insisted there are now plenty of options, including Bowen, to replace Rashford in the England squad if he does not step up his performances.
Bent named Phil Foden as the one he would choose to start for England but insisted Gareth Southgate would have a decision to make over the likes of Bowen and Anthony Gordon.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [as shared via X], Bent shared: “At the minute I’m not sure. There was a time I would have said 100% he goes.
“Rashford has had opportunities because he’s played this season but not been at the level, not been at it. As long as that continues, he still might go, but if everybody is fit and in this type of form, I don’t think he does.
“My front three right now would be Saka, Foden, Kane. Gareth is going to have a decision to make. If Phil Foden continues [his form], he’s going to go, he’s been fantastic.
“Anthony Gordon does well, you’ve got Bowen who can play wide, Saka. This next squad will be interesting.”
Will Jarrod Bowen receive an England call-up ahead of Rashford?
Southgate is set to name his next England squad on 14 March as he prepares to face friendlies against Belgium and Brazil, and with those the final two fixtures before the Euros, the squad could indicate what the final selection will look like.
Both Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have also insisted Bowen will be in contention for a call-up ahead of the Euros this summer, with his edge over his competitors that he could play either as a winger or a striker when called upon.
Southgate must choose from the likes of Bowen, Saka, Rashford, Foden, Gordon, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish and Cole Palmer to occupy the wings in his squad, putting a dent in Bowen’s chances.
With 14 goals and three assists in the Premier League so far this season, it feels like now or never for Bowen in terms of an international call, and the manager will be left with a difficult decision to make.
In other West Ham news, Jermaine Pennant took aim at Kalvin Phillips in an England rant.
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