West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s chances of going to the World Cup this summer have taken a significant hit.
Bowen came on with 30 minutes to go in England’s 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.
Having struggled to make an impact in his second-half cameo, he now looks highly unlikely to make the World Cup squad.
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West Ham star Jarrod Bowen registered an assist in England's 5-0 win over Latvia
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Jarrod Bowen’s World Cup chances now unlikely after England vs Japan
Bowen was always going to be on the periphery of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad after a below-par season at West Ham.
He needed to make the most of the March international break to force his way into Tuchel’s World Cup plans.
With no Bukayo Saka in the squad, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Bowen to showcase his talents.
However, Tuchel started Arsenal’s second-choice right-winger, Noni Madueke, ahead of him against Uruguay on Friday.
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Fortunately for Bowen, he replaced an injured Madueke in the 38th minute and played the rest of the game.
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Jarrod Bowen celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland
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The West Ham talisman failed to impress against the South American side, but he was not alone, as England settled for a 1-1 draw.
Bowen’s biggest opportunity was expected to come against Japan, with Madueke exiting the squad after his injury.
But Tuchel chose not to pick his only recognised right-winger, playing Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers out of position instead.
With no Harry Kane or another recognised striker in the line-up, either, Bowen must have been baffled by his absence.
Tuchel’s selections have clearly proven that Bowen is a long way down the pecking order among England’s attacking options.
So, unless either Saka or Madueke misses the tournament through injury, it is hard to imagine Bowen going to the World Cup.
This would be even more disappointing news for the 29-year-old because he will probably not be in the frame in 2030.
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