Graham Potter has addressed conflicting reports about Jarrod Bowen’s omission from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad.
The West Ham manager has been speaking to the press ahead of the final game of the season against Ipswich.
And Graham Potter has moved to clarify why his star man Jarrod Bowen hasn’t been called up with the reason certain to divide Hammers fans.
Thomas Tuchel has named his latest England squad and it doesn’t include Hammers captain Bowen or Phil Foden.
One time West Ham target Ivan Toney has been surprisingly recalled to the England squad ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifier with Andorra and friendly against Senegal.
West Ham star Bowen not in England squad
There is no place for Bowen, though, despite his strong form of late – albeit in a struggling West Ham side.
Gareth Southgate was heavily criticised by West Ham fans for failing to give Bowen the respect and game time his club form had warranted in recent seasons.
Bowen barely featured at last summer’s Euros but impressed when he did get a chance.
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Yet Southgate persisted with the same “big name” players, ultimately falling at the final hurdle again.
Interim England boss Lee Carsley also snubbed Bowen, admitting he incurred the wrath of West Ham fans at petrol stations as a result.
Carsley was eventually made to look rather silly when he was forced to go cap in hand to Bowen after a raft of withdrawals.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Potter clarifies why Bowen has been left out by Tuchel
And West Ham’s top scorer duly set up a goal and scored in two big wins in the November internationals.
All eyes were on Tuchel’s first England squad selection in March.
To the delight of West Ham, Bowen was picked ahead of the likes of Marcus Rashford and others.
There has been shock now, though, as Bowen’s name is not among those called up for the June fixtures.
Now Potter has clarified why West Ham star Bowen is not in Tuchel’s latest England squad.
Bowen is due to marry partner Dani Dyer after the season ends. He also has a stag do booked in Las Vegas days before the wedding to the daughter of actor and West Ham fanatic Danny Dyer.
Rumours had circulated Bowen had asked Tuchel not to be selected as a result.
There have been counter claims that Bowen has simply been left out by Tuchel.
Now Potter has confirmed the real reason. And Hammers fans won’t like it one bit.
Bowen ‘naturally disappointed’ at England snub says Potter
Potter has also revealed how Bowen feels about the decision.
That’s after the Hammers boss revealed Bowen is ‘naturally disappointed’ having been snubbed by Tuchel for the latest squad.
Potter says being left out of the Three Lions selection was a football decision but refused to judge Tuchel for it.
“Well it’s not my thing to pick that squad,” Potter said in his press conference.
“I have full respect for the England manager Thomas so it’s a difficult decision I’m sure.
“We’re disappointed for Jarrod, but we’ll support him and he’ll carry on doing what he’s doing for us.
“He’ll be naturally disappointed of course because every player wants to play for their country. But he’s a professional, he accepts the decision, he’s trained well with us and he’ll be looking forward to the game and to try to take three points.”