West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen is about to understand just how much he features in Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of England’s World Cup campaign.
Bowen could start for England against Japan after Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke pulled out of the squad over the course of the weekend.
They are generally seen as Bowen’s main competitors for a starting berth with the Three Lions out on the right-wing in either a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1.
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West Ham star Jarrod Bowen registered an assist in England's 5-0 win over Latvia
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Their absence, then, should theoretically open up a space for Bowen to further stake his claim for a spot in the World Cup squad on Tuesday.
If it doesn’t, however, then the West Ham captain has his answer.
Cole Palmer could start ahead of Jarrod Bowen for England vs Japan
Standard Sport have suggested that there’s a chance that Tuchel opts to try Cole Palmer out on the right wing against Japan.
Though the Chelsea star is clearly capable of playing there, his very best position is surely at No.10.
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Frankly, if Tuchel does not decide to start Bowen on Tuesday – no matter who potentially gets in ahead of him – then it’s very hard to see how he has any chance for the World Cup.
This team stays up ahead of Spurs 😎
Only debate is Dinos or Todibo….
A graphic showing West Ham United's strongest XI.
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Based off club form alone, the West Ham skipper should start. Everyone knows, however, that international selections are not always done on that basis.
England v Uruguay - International Friendly
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Bowen has consistently been overlooked by Tuchel for England, but there’s never going to be a better chance for him to actually start a game for his country.
If Palmer or anyone else is trusted on the right wing ahead of him, it’s going to say an awful lot about just how Tuchel really sees the Hammers skipper.
Bowen did not impress for England against Uruguay, and it will be fascinating to see if he gets the chance to rectify that against Japan on Tuesday.
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