Jarrod Bowen says he is meeting the challenge of making England’s Euros squad “head on”, having matured since missing out on the World Cup 18 months ago.
Bowen made his debut during the dismal run of Nations League fixtures in the summer of 2022 but, after a slow start to the following season with West Ham, was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar.
The forward later admitted to dealing poorly with the pressure of trying to win a World Cup place, but has forced his way back into England contention this season with a superb campaign at club level, which included 20 goals and 10 assists.
The 27-year-old faces stiff competition for a place in Southgate’s final 26-man squad - to be narrowed down from the provisional 33 by Saturday - but having started Monday’s win over Bosnia & Herzegovina, as well as the March friendly with Belgium, Bowen is embracing the challenge.
“Every game you play, you learn from it and gain confidence,” he said. “I’ve been in these positions before with squads. Now, I feel at bit more mature as a player, I’ve had a few more opportunities and gained confidence from it.
“I take every challenge head on. That’s when I’m at my best, playing with no fear.”
On the field, Bowen has blossomed into West Ham’s clear talisman this season, following the summer departure Declan Rice.
Away from the pitch, too, there has been a major change, with the former Hull man and partner Dani Dyer welcoming twins in May last year. The responsibility of fatherhood, Bowen says, has provided welcome distraction and motivation when it comes to the race to make the Euros squad.
“When you are on the training pitch, it’s the time to learn, improve and impress,” he explained.
“When you are away from it, you speak to your family. I’ve got two little girls that I will FaceTime, play PlayStation. It’s having that balance.
“They’ve just turned one. When you come away you miss them. It’s my first experience with children. It’s difficult not seeing them and my missus’ little one as well [Dyer has a third child from a previous relationship].
“When I’m on FaceTime with my missus, they’re all causing carnage - not running, but crawling around the house, and the little one running. Sometimes I’m glad I’m here!
“Family is the most important thing to me, and of course, it gives you that drive. From where I’ve come from, to go to a major tournament would be the pinnacle probably.”
After West Ham decided against signing a new striker last summer, Bowen spent a significant part of this season playing at centre-forward and looked at home in the role, for all he remains a prolific goal threat from his natural position wide on the right.
Southgate, however, has so far used him exclusively as a winger and Bowen is himself not counting on his versatility to push his Euros case.
“The striking options that we have here are elite,” he added. “You look at Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
“I know my position. I’ve played out on the wing all my career. Maybe that’s just a club thing, because competition with strikers here is one of the best.”
