Ex-Chelsea captain John Terry doesn’t think that West Ham talisman Jarrod Bowen should be included in England’s squad for the World Cup.
The 29-year-old has been in good form despite the Hammers’ struggles in the Premier League, having scored 10 goals and contributed 7 assists in 34 matches.
However, when asked which players he would take on the flight to North America this summer, Terry said he would not take Bowen.
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Controversially, though, the former England player did say he would select Arsenal’s Max Dowman, despite the 16-year-old having only played 7 matches of senior football.
Terry left out several other notable players
In addition to Bowen, Terry said he would not include Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, despite the midfielder’s outstanding season.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento and Arsenal’s Noni Madueke were also notable omissions, while he was happy to pick out-of-form Phil Foden, as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who didn’t even make Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
Considering Terry has never taken up a management role at club level, let alone at international level, it may give us an insight into why no team has ever wanted to appoint him, despite his former Chelsea teammates, Frank Lampard, Cesc Fabregas and even Ashley Cole, having been hired for roles in recent years.
Will the West Ham captain make the plane?
FIFA have increased the number of players allowed at the World Cup from 23 to 26, so it does give Thomas Tuchel greater flexibility in who he takes with him.
Bowen is competing with the likes of Madueke and Bukayo Saka for a spot on the right wing, and he may need a very strong end to the season to ensure he is included ahead of his rivals.
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