Thomas Tuchel’s reluctance to give Jarrod Bowen a bigger role with England may frustrate the player and supporters, but it could turn out to be good news for West Ham.
Far from harming the Hammers, Thomas Tuchel’s blind spot might just be the very thing that saves them – and Graham Potter.
West Ham fans have quickly found out Tuchel is just like all the rest when it comes to England managers.
Almost every single Three Lions boss comes in promising to play players in form regardless of their club.
In the end, though, there is almost always favouritism for certain players and a clear bias towards stars from the so-called “Big Six”.
West Ham fans realise England boss Tuchel is just like all the rest
Nothing proves that more than Tuchel’s treatment of West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen since taking over England.
The German selected Bowen in his first squad back in March – and rightly so as the Hammers skipper was in the top three performing English players in the Premier League last season.
There was a shock for Bowen and West Ham when he was left out of the June squad by Tuchel, though.
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A prominent club source confirmed to Hammers News at the time that Bowen twice offered to move his entire wedding to make himself available for England duty.
Despite the selfless offer, Tuchel opted to leave West Ham’s main man out anyway.
Hammers boss Potter admitted Bowen was ‘naturally disappointed’ at Tuchel’s brutal snub.
Tuchel could not ignore Bowen for the September squad selection, though.
West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen comes on for Noni Madueke as England beat Serbia 5-0
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Since the start of April no player – let alone Englishman – has been involved in more Premier League goals than West Ham ace Bowen.
With seven goals and three assists, Bowen is clear of everyone.
Yet when England’s games against Andorra and Serbia rolled around, Tuchel snubbed the Hammer yet again.
Bowen got just 24 minutes across the two games.
As is par for the course with Bowen he came on in Belgrade and instantly impressed with his hard work, direct running and sharpness.
Tuchel’s Bowen blind spot could save West Ham, not ruin them
He played more key passes in his limited time on the pitch for England in the 5-0 win over Serbia than Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke combined.
But Tuchel’s Bowen blind spot with England could actually save West Ham, not ruin them.
The Bowen situation has sparked grave concerns in east London.
After a tough 20 months or so at West Ham, many pundits and journalists have started the narrative that Bowen may have to leave to help his England ambitions.
Bowen actually spoke out about his Hammers future in the summer, saying it rests in the hands of majority owner David Sullivan.
He has remained with the Hammers, despite reported interest in the summer.
England boss Thomas Tuchel speaks to the press
Photo by Alex Pantling – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
West Ham’s difficult start to the season has only fuelled the theory Bowen must leave to further his England career.
The win over Forest last time out breathed new life into West Ham’s season and took some of the mounting pressure off Potter.
Tuchel’s latest snub will only serve to underline claims Bowen stands a better chance with England if he goes elsewhere.
The German has been lambasted by Hammers fans over his treatment of Bowen. And there are reports the England boss has been advising players that playing European football – particularly in the Champions League – will boost their selection chances in a World Cup year.
Hammers won’t survive without a fit and firing Bowen
But Tuchel may actually be doing West Ham a huge favour.
To the point it may even save the Hammers’ entire season.
Being selected for England means Bowen continues training to a high level during international breaks, keeping him sharp for the Hammers.
But his lack of match action means he remains fresh, rested and most importantly injury-free for West Ham, who simply will not survive in the Premier League this season without him.
Not only that, Bowen then returns to West Ham with an even bigger point to prove, hopefully starting against Spurs.
So rather than fearing Tuchel’s snub could be the ruination of West Ham because it may force Bowen out, West Ham should be thanking their lucky stars their main man is not being put in the line of fire during what is a transitional season at the London Stadium.