Credit: Breaking Media

Daniel Davis

Wed 1 April 2026 6:10, UK

West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen did not start England’s dire 1-0 defeat by Japan.

Bowen was expected to be given the nod from the off by Thomas Tuchel at Wembley on Tuesday night, but he was instead restricted to just 36 minutes.

The Three Lions put on a blunt performance and were stunned by Kaoru Mitoma’s first-half goal, which condemned them to their very first loss against an Asian nation.

When he was brought on, the Irons talisman went close with an acrobatic effort but ultimately could not help the hosts find a leveller, a major blow to his World Cup hopes.

West Ham will be grateful that he will return fighting fit for their Premier League relegation run-in, but there is no doubt that Bowen’s confidence has taken an almighty hit.

How did Jarrod Bowen play vs Japan?

Bukayo Saka and Noni Nadueke dropping out of the squad over the weekend appeared to have opened the door for Bowen. However, once again, Tuchel decided to overlook him.

He had played 52 minutes against Uruguay, but even that outing was longer than planned due to Madueke’s injury. Now, he finds himself on the periphery of the national set-up.

Arguably, Bowen should be starting based on his club form alone, but that has not translated into sustained opportunities under Tuchel, who is clearly not impressed.

His second-half cameo on Tuesday was his big chance to win over the German, but again, it slipped through his fingers. This is the element he can control, and he didn’t do enough.

While he completed nine of his 10 passes inside the Japanese half of the field, the 29-year-old squandered possession nine times, with his one attempted dribble unsuccessful.

According to Sofascore, just two of his five crosses found their target, and he was similarly found wanting defensively, losing two of his three ground duels.

Tuchel must also take some of the blame, though. His handling of Bowen has been downright bizarre, having initially started Phil Foden as a false nine ahead of him.

Bowen would have been the better choice through the middle, as shown during his bright combination play, and he also deserved to play ahead of Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon.

Bowen’s England disappointment benefits West Ham

Selfishly, Nuno Espirito Santo would have been satisfied with Bowen’s brief run-out, with the extra 30 minutes in his legs likely to keep him sharp before he returns to Rush Green.

The Irons next take on Leeds United after the international break, and Bowen will be involved, although he will have very little time to recover after the loss against Japan.

Darren Bent believes Bowen is facing a predicament for both West Ham and England, but he will have to set these thoughts aside and give his all to his club’s scrap for top-flight survival.

Indeed, seven cup finals are remaining, and their talisman must step up again.