Thomas Tuchel told to take 20-cap forward to World Cup despite scoring just one England goal

Jarrod Bowen doesn’t have the best goalscoring record for England, but he has been backed to play at the World Cup.

Former manager Harry Redknapp believes the winger should be on the plane this summer given his continued success at West Ham.

AFP

Hammers captain Bowen has been a standout performer this season despite their struggles in the Premier League.

The winger, who has eight goals and three assists in the league, teed up Tomas Soucek in their 1-1 draw with Manchester United last night.

Bowen will hope that his efforts at West Ham will be enough to put himself in contention for the 2026 World Cup with England.

He has already earned 20 Three Lions caps, although scored just the one goal on the international stage.

Despite this, ex-West Ham boss Redknapp thinks England head coach Thomas Tuchel should name Bowen as one of his forward options.

“Quick question for you. I’m taking Bowen to the USA for the World Cup, are you?” asked Ally McCoist on talkSPORT Breakfast.

“For sure, he’d be in my squad,” Redknapp replied. “I mean, you’d have him anywhere, wouldn’t you?

“He gives it absolutely everything, he works, he scores goals, he’s a great team player and he’s got real good ability.

“I love him, he is Mr West Ham for me at the moment, he’s been amazing.”

Bowen missed out on the England squad for the 2022 World Cup, but was involved in their Euro 2024 campaign.

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Getty

The 29-year-old played in their group stage wins against Serbia and Denmark as a substitute.

He has also missed just one of Tuchel’s squads since his tenure began in January 2025.

What next for Bowen and England?

England will return for the March international break for two friendly matches at Wembley.

Tuchel’s side will face tests against Uruguay and Japan on March 27 and 31 respectively.

Their attention will then turn to the World Cup, with the squad set to be announced soon before the tournament begins on June 11.

England will play two further friendlies ahead of the tournament and, as per The Sun, the first will be against New Zealand.

Croatia are their first opponents in Group L of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ghana and Panama will also contest them for a spot in the new round of 32 following the tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams.