Jeff Stelling: West Ham fans to be ‘up in arms’ at Jarrod Bowen decision away from London Stadium
Jarrod Bowen was finally given a chance to prove himself by Thomas Tuchel as England beat Albania in their final World Cup qualifier.
Harry Kane is loving life at Bayern Munich, and it was the 32-year-old striker who notched a brace in the last 20 minutes to secure a perfect set of qualification games.
Jarell Quansah was handed his debut, with Man City’s Nico O’Reilly settling in at left-back for the second consecutive game on international duty. Even Bowen started on the right wing.
However, there have been a lot of rumours floating around Bowen’s potential exit at West Ham, a lot of it due to a lack of game time for the Three Lions, and that might be about to get worse.
Gabby Agbonlahor tips Jarrod Bowen to miss out on World Cup 2026
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that, despite a positive performance against Albania, the 28-year-old is unlikely to travel to the World Cup next year, with several choices ahead of him.
Speaking live via talkSPORT (17 November, 9:17am), Agbonlahor said: “Bowen, for me, I don’t see him going at all. A shame,” to which Jeff Stelling replied: “Which West Ham fans will be up in arms about.”
The Hammers were already furious to see Noni Madueke given a chance ahead of their winger two international windows ago, but to miss the tournament entirely would cause a lot of frustration.
| Jarrod Bowen vs Albania | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 75 |
| Pass completion | 89% (17/19) |
| Dribbles completed | 75% (3/4) |
| Accurate crosses | 0% (0/6) |
| Ground duels won | 62% (5/8) |
He has only started two of the last nine games for the Three Lions, and once all England players are fit and available, it is tough to predict whether Bowen will make the World Cup squad or not.
Bowen continues to be linked with a West Ham exit
Tottenham are heavily linked with a move for Bowen, though Football Insider understands that he is one of the only untouchable players in the squad right now, as the Hammers battle against relegation.
While Nuno Espirito Santo‘s arrival has been well-received, the team remain in the Premier League relegation zone after 11 games, just three goals from safety after beating Burnley.
With upcoming games against Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Man United, though, it is difficult to see where the points are coming from in what could be a catastrophic season in East London.
If the Hammers are to survive this season, Bowen will likely play a crucial role at the London Stadium. But could this be his final season in West Ham colours?