England call up in-form West Ham attacker Jarrod Bowen for Nations League games

England manager Gareth Southgate has called-up in-form West Ham attacker Jarrod Bowen for the June Nations League fixtures.

Bowen, 25, has enjoyed a superb season for the Premier League side, with 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, and only a foot injury prevented him from receiving his maiden senior call-up in March.

England face four Nations League matches between June 4-14, with trips to Hungary and Germany followed by matches at Wolves' Molineux ground against Italy and Hungary.

Southgate said of Bowen’s inclusion: “Constantly strong performances. We were certainly thinking about involving him in March before he got injured.

“He’s a goal threat and his direct journey is an interesting reminder that you don’t have to be at an elite academy – experience is a great route to go.

“He works incredibly hard for the team, which we want all our players to do. He thoroughly deserves his call-up.”

Leicester City defender James Justin has also made the 27-man squad in what is more of a surprising inclusion. The 24-year-old has made 19 appearances in all competitions since recovering from an anterior cruciate injury sustained in February 2021.

“He’s a player that we’ve followed for a long time and he obviously had a very serious injury and has now, we feel, played the number of matches and been able to play more regularly,” Southgate said.

ENGLAND RATINGS: Nick Pope: 6 - The England shot stopper didn’t have to make a single save during the match and was rarely on the ball, as the rest of the team were so far up the pitch.

AFP

“He’s comfortable playing left or right-back and very comfortable with the ball, a super athlete, a very good person, so we’re really looking forward to working with him more closely.”

Kyle