Jarrod Bowen missed out on a start in England’s friendly victory against Wales on Thursday night.
West Ham captain Bowen was restricted to a brief second-half cameo in the 3-0 win at Wembley, with Thomas Tuchel instead leaning toward using others across his frontline.
Tuchel has made no secret of the fact that players must perform consistently for club and country to be in with a chance of making his World Cup squad next year.
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But Bowen did not do enough to stake his claim during his 20-minute run-out, and his own warning about competition for places could soon come back to haunt him.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty ImagesJarrod Bowen didn’t do enough for England
Jarrod Bowen did create a chance against Wales, but after taking just two touches in the opposition penalty area and failing to contribute a single defensive action, the signs are not good.
He was awarded a steady mark of 6 in BBC Sport’s post-match ratings, but with Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka scoring, and Marcus Rashford also back firing again, that will not be enough.
Back in September, Bowen was called up for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia before admitting that it had never been harder to start as a forward for the Three Lions.
“Attacking is probably the best options England’s had for a few years now,” Bowen said.
“I’ve been in and out of squads for a couple of years and always had that competition for places, and I think it’s really good. I think it really brings the best out of you.
“I think for me it’s a really big year. I’ve got a really big year at club level and then also international level as well. You know there’s a World Cup around the corner.
“So, I think for me, being back in the squad is just trying to show what I do at West Ham, week in, week out. I think that’s all that I can do.”
Those words ironically encapsulate the uphill struggle Bowen now has as he looks to ensure Tuchel has no choice but to include him on the plane heading to the United States next summer.
Jarrod Bowen on his World Cup hopes
The 28-year-old was, of course, part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2024 final under Gareth Southgate, but impressing Tuchel appears to be a much sterner task.
Bowen, though, is relishing the opportunity to force his way into his country’s starting XI.
“I wouldn’t say pressure,” he told talkSPORT. “I think it’s more enjoying that responsibility, enjoying being here.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
“Because ultimately when you were young and playing for your country, probably seemed a million miles away, when you’re here, I think it’s important not to get too frightened about the situation.
“You’re here on merit, you’re here for a reason, so I think it’s do what you do, that you’ve always done, that helped you get here.
“Then when you do get that opportunity, it’s important you know you have to take the opportunity, but I don’t see it as pressure. I see it as a responsibility that you enjoy.”