Credit: Imago

Daniel Davis

Sun 29 March 2026 7:10, UK

Jarrod Bowen’s past comments on the competition he faces in England’s squad have come back to haunt him – with the West Ham United captain’s role at the World Cup uncertain.

Bowen was brought on after 38 minutes in the 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay at Wembley on Friday, replacing Noni Madueke after he was forced off through injury.

The forward has been a mainstay under Thomas Tuchel, but this has not translated into regular starts, leaving him on the fringes ahead of this summer’s showpiece.

He boasts the most goal involvements of any English player in the Premier League, but is still not guaranteed minutes for his country. Judging by his display, that won’t change.

Already a hero at the London Stadium, Bowen will hope to help West Ham avoid relegation after the international break, but first, he will want to win over Tuchel.

Jarrod Bowen still stuck on England fringes

While Bowen would almost certainly have been brought on against Uruguay, likely in the second half, he was given more minutes than expected after Madueke limped off.

However, he was not able to take his chance, the match having passed him by.

Bowen was given average ratings by the press, with the word “quiet” often repeated. This could be damaging to his hopes of making the World Cup squad, let alone starting in it.

In the aftermath, his previous comments on his determination to impress Tuchel resurfaced on social media and once again showcased the magnitude of the challenge.

Speaking during the previous camp in November, Bowen told The Independent: “What I’m up against is Bukayo, while Noni, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden can all play there (right wing).

“You’re talking about world-class, elite players and I’m in the same category as them.

“Bukayo has proved it at international and club level. For me, it’s about pushing myself and pushing Bukayo as well. Give the manager a headache and give Bukayo a headache.”

Unfortunately for Bowen, he has been unable to do that, scoring just once in his 21 caps. Making matters worse, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon are also pushing to start.

As a result, the Irons talisman will, at the very most, be a back-up option for Tuchel at the World Cup, when his heroics for his club this season suggest he deserves much more.

Bowen can’t carry West Ham anymore

Bowen may get one final shot at confirming his place in the 26-man squad when the Three Lions host Japan in a friendly on March 3, but Bukayo Saka could return and start.

He has not received his rewards for almost single-handedly keeping West Ham up at times, having scored eight top-flight goals and contributed directly to six of their 29 points.

Simply, he needs support, and the club have tried to provide just that, splashing the cash on Crysencio Summerville, Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe to strengthen their frontline.

Now 29, the ace will be determined to finally announce himself on the international stage, and there is no better place to do that than the World Cup, but he has plenty of work to do.