A photo of seven-year-old Jarrod Bowen, taken during England’s preparations for UEFA Euro 2004, perfectly captures what this summer will mean to the West Ham United forward. The young Bowen, with his hair dyed red and styled into a David Beckham-inspired Mohican, his face painted with the St George’s Flag, and wearing an England shirt from the 2002 FIFA World Cup, epitomizes the dreams of many football fans. They all had a similar aspiration.
Now, two decades later, Bowen is poised to follow in the footsteps of his hero Beckham by playing on the right wing for England at the UEFA European Championship finals. He was named in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad, ready to represent his country on one of the biggest stages.
“I’ve always watched England at major tournaments,” Bowen told whufc.com. “Those photos resurfaced on social media when I was first called up by England in May 2022. That image is a cherished memory from my childhood, supporting England, and it never gets old!
“Any call-up is special, but representing your country at a major tournament is one of the pinnacles of a career.
“It wasn’t even a dream because, as a young kid, I didn’t think it was possible to play in the Premier League, let alone represent my country.”
Bowen’s journey has been remarkable, marked by a relentless rise since joining West Ham from Hull City in January 2020. His goals have been pivotal in keeping the Hammers in the Premier League and even securing a European trophy.
Now, Bowen is seeking his first international goal after coming close on several occasions. He had a header against Belgium ruled out for offside by VAR and a goal-bound shot saved by his teammate Ezri Konsa against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite these near misses, he is eager to find the net on the big stage in Germany.
Whether he scores at Euro 2024 or not, just being part of the England squad for a major tournament is a huge thrill for Bowen.
“Playing for your country is probably the pinnacle of anyone’s career,” Bowen affirmed. “Once you earn that one cap, you’ve made it!
“Even being at St George’s Park for the first time, wearing the tracksuit and training kit, was a pinch-me moment, let alone my debut! I don’t think I will ever get used to playing for my country. Even the players with 50-plus caps say that the feeling of putting on the England shirt never changes. It’s always a special feeling.”
Bowen has been a key player for West Ham this past season, equalling Paolo Di Canio’s record for most Premier League goals by a West Ham player in a single season with 16 and adding ten assists in all competitions. His versatility, work-rate, and professionalism have earned him a spot in Southgate’s squad.
“Every time I’ve played for England, I’ve tried to showcase what I can do,” Bowen explained. “You get picked for your country by playing well for England and performing consistently for your club, which I believe I have done this season.
“As a forward, I’m up against some big names, but I’ve had a good season, good opportunities with England, and played a few games. I’m excited to be in the squad this summer, and we’ll see where it takes me.”
England is drawn in Group C, facing Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, June 16, Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday, June 20, and Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday, June 25. The top two finishers will advance to the round of 16.
