England face Japan at Wembley tonight in what is likely to be a crucial dress rehearsal for West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen.
The Hammers winger and top scorer would ordinarily be guaranteed a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad, given he has the most Premier League goal contributions of any Englishman. However, competition is fierce in the Three Lions squad, as Bowen himself has conceded, with Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer just a few of the players who would ordinarily be expected to be picked ahead of him.
Earlier today, the London Standard claimed that Madueke is a huge favourite of England coach Tuchel and, as such, can be expected to make the plane to the U.S. if fit.
Bowen would benefit from a goal for England tonight
Wembley opportunity arrives for Bowen
However, there is a glimmer of opportunity for Bowen this evening with the withdrawal of so many Arsenal players like Declan Rice, Saka and Madueke. The more cynical amongst us might believe they are being rested ahead of a title push for the Gunners, but it is being claimed they are genuinely injured.
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For Bowen, he needs to use the opportunity to get onto the pitch tonight and would massively benefit from a goal. His father-in-law, Danny Dyer, has correctly pointed out that the Hammers captain has been carrying West Ham for quite some time and is completely knackered.
It is hard to disagree with either sentiment, but Bowen will find little time for rest between now and next season. So it is all eyes on Wembley this evening, and if he can manage to get on the scoresheet, he will at least give manager Tuchel something to think about.