Lopetegui erred with his key player following a deeply disappointing official announcement.

Jarrod Bowen has faced a challenging start to the season with West Ham, much like many of his teammates.

Consequently, the 27-year-old has been left out of the latest England squad selected by interim manager Lee Carsley.

Last week, Bowen expressed his desire to spend the rest of his career with West Ham, which was heartening news for the fans.

Since joining from Hull City for £20 million in January 2020, Bowen has become a beloved figure at the London Stadium.

The West Ham supporters adore him, but it seems his talents are not fully appreciated by those outside the club.

His absence from the latest England squad highlights this, and I believe Julen Lopetegui bears significant responsibility for this situation.

Bowen’s exclusion from the Three Lions squad is undoubtedly a setback for the talented winger.

However, this development is somewhat beneficial for West Ham, as it means he will have two weeks to recuperate after Saturday’s match against Ipswich Town.

Nevertheless, Bowen would have preferred to be included in Carsley’s squad.

Despite being named in previous squads, he has not received ample opportunities to showcase his abilities for England.

He deserves more chances, and honestly, he might consider stepping back from international duty at this point.

However, his performance this season has not been up to par, so he cannot contest his omission from the national team.

I believe Lopetegui is primarily responsible for Bowen’s dip in form for two reasons.

Firstly, appointing Bowen as West Ham’s captain was a misguided choice.

While he is an exceptional player, leadership is not one of his strengths.

He tends to be quiet on the field, rarely confronting referees, and does not naturally motivate teammates when they are struggling.

This new role has added pressure on him, both on and off the pitch, leading to questions about whether he can handle that responsibility effectively.

In my view, he should not have been made captain.

Secondly, Lopetegui’s decision to deploy Bowen as a central striker has negatively affected his form this season.

Bowen thrives when playing on the right wing, where his skills can shine.

He lacks the physicality and presence required for a central striker role, which has been evident in his performances this season.

It is crucial for Julen Lopetegui to revert Bowen back to the right wing as soon as possible.

If this adjustment is made, it could help Bowen regain his top form and potentially earn a recall to the England squad.

Overall, Bowen’s talent and potential are clear, but the right support and positioning are essential for him to succeed.