West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen’s place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup is in doubt.
He did not start either of England’s two friendlies in the March international break and struggled to make an impact off the bench.
With Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke ahead of him in the right-wing pecking order, Bowen will need to find form in the Premier League run-in.
The 29-year-old has now explained whether the World Cup will be on his mind over the next two months with West Ham.
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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 remains focused on West Ham despite England World Cup dream
Bowen spoke to the media shortly after England’s disappointing 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
While he may have missed his opportunity to ‘impress’ Tuchel on the international stage, the winger is determined to show what he can do for West Ham.
All Bowen can do is play his best football from now until the end of the Premier League season and hope that is enough.
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The good news for Hammers fans is that, despite his extra motivation to make the World Cup, West Ham’s relegation battle remains his priority.
“I think there’s always a chance to impress,” he said. “Let’s not get it wrong, playing well at club level gets you here in the first place.
“My mindset going back to the club now is keeping my team in the Premier League and to keep playing well.
“That’s all I can do without having [the World Cup] at the front of my mind. I think you have to put it in the back of your mind because you have to let the club football take care of itself.”
Speaking about West Ham, Bowen revealed his ambition to return to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final in a few weeks.
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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 Hammers must first beat Leeds United in the quarter-final on Sunday before their attention will quickly return to avoiding relegation.
“We’ve got the chance for an FA Cup semi-final,” he added. “I’ve got a chance to come here (Wembley) and lead them out, which would be such a special thing for me.
“And then make no mistake, the next seven games, they’re cup finals as well. So, there’s no hiding away from the situation.
”I go back there and keep trying to step up and keep trying to keep my club in the Premier League.”
This is a pivotal moment in Bowen’s career, as he could either be a Premier League player at the World Cup or a Championship star watching England from home this summer.
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