Exclusive: Jarrod Bowen faces England questions at West Ham
Jarrod Bowen must “kick on big time” at West Ham or else faces England heartbreak for the 2026 World Cup, according to Glen Johnson.
The former Hammers youngster told Football Insider exclusively that the winger’s spot with the Three Lions will be all down to him “putting in big performances”.
Bowen has been the silver lining for the East London side in a season that has seen them fall as low as 17th in the Premier League table.
Whilst a 2-0 win against a beleaguered Man United side helped West Ham rise above rivals Tottenham and Ruben Amorim’s side, the Hammers are set for their worst finish since the 2019/20 season.
England concerns for Jarrod Bowen amid West Ham exit rumours
Bowen is now 28 years old, and the 2026 World Cup looks likely to be the former Hull City man’s last opportunity to play in the most revered tournament in all of football.
West Ham’s star winger was included in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad and started in the 3-0 win over Latvia in March.
But the important caveat to note was the absence of then-injured Bukayo Saka in that squad, who has regained fitness and will likely reclaim his starting spot for England’s upcoming fixtures in June.
Whilst the Three Lions claimed victory over Albania and Latvia in Tuchel’s first games in charge, right-wing was a clear area of weakness, and Bowen struggled to have an impact in either game.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Bowen |
| Appearances | 32 |
| Starts | 32 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Minutes | 2,799 |
What’s more, the German manager has already shown a preference for picking players from bigger clubs in the European picture, with Jarrad Branthwaite being left out in favour of Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah.
The Hammers have struggled badly this season, and with his stars regaining fitness, the 28-year-old could be in danger of being overlooked by Tuchel.
Bowen has been linked with an exit from West Ham, and with his national team spot on the line, the former Hull man may contemplate ending his five-year stay in East London.
Jarrod Bowen needs to ‘kick on big time’ to get starting XI place
Some may have concerns that Bowen could be jeopardising his place in England’s World Cup squad by remaining with the Irons.
But ex-Irons youngster Johnson believes those concerns are misplaced and that the bigger question will be whether the former Dartford man is delivering the goods consistently for the Irons.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool right-back told Football Insider exclusively, via TG Casino, that ultimately it will all come down to how the 28-year-old performs on a consistent basis, with the team he is playing for having little bearing: “No, I think it will be all down to him putting in the big performances.
“I don’t think it matters what club you play for, you just have to show you can step up to that level.
“For him to get into the squad is one thing, but to get into the starting XI, he’s got to kick on big time and do it consistently.”