Nuno Espirito Santo insists Jarrod Bowen’s sole focus is on West Ham United after he was snubbed by England.
On Friday morning, it was confirmed that Bowen will not be part of the England squad at the 2026 World Cup later this summer.
How does Bowen’s snub impact our chances of keeping him this summer even if relegated? 🤔
It came as a surprise, given Bowen had always been part of the England squad under Tuchel, even if he did not play regularly.
Clearly, it’s a huge disappointment for the 29-year-old, who could well be preparing for his final ever game for the club.
Nuno says Bowen is sad but focused on West Ham
Asked about Bowen’s England snub during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Nuno said: “He was sad. It’s something he really wanted to achieve in his career, going to a World Cup. But he’s immediately turned to focusing on Sunday.”
Nuno was then asked if wearing the armband has weighed Bowen down somewhat, but he shrugged that suggestion off.
Pretend you’re Nuno – what changes are you making ahead of Leeds? 👀
If anyone says keep the back five, I'll be shocked 😂
“We are very proud to have Jarrod as our skipper. The work rate and commitment, and the way he leads by example, makes us very proud. He has embraced being captain. He’s a leader.”
Sadly for Bowen, the England chapter looks over for now. There is at least a degree of clarity heading into Sunday as a result.
West Ham’s poor form has cost Bowen a place in the England squad, although his own goal drought in the Premier League that has dragged on for months cannot be ignored.
The only thing Bowen can do now is to ensure he signs off for the season in relative style. Scoring against Leeds on Sunday would at least in part do that, even if West Ham are also reliant on Everton beating Tottenham.
Whether Bowen was treated harshly by England is up for debate. Right now, however, it simply does not matter.
His club desperately need him. There simply isn’t time to focus on the international picture.
Hopefully, the snub fuels Bowen into putting in a big performance on Sunday. England may have decided they can do without him, but the exact opposite is true for West Ham.
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