Jarrod Bowen: West Ham forward knocking on door of England squad

West Ham enjoyed an impressive season under David Moyes last term and have continued to progress once more.

The Hammers are strong contenders for a Champions League spot, lying fifth in the Premier League, and have reached the knockout stages of the Europa League, as well as the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Skipper Declan Rice may take a lot of the plaudits but their strides forward have been helped significantly by the sublime form of frontman Jarrod Bowen.

In a similar way to team-mate Michail Antonio, Bowen's journey has taken him from the struggles of non-league football to soaring in the Premier League.

«You need people to stand up and Jarrod has been the one standing up and getting goals,» manager Moyes recently said.

«His performance levels improve every time, he is maturing and looking really calm at the moment.»

West Ham missed out on a Champions League place by just two points last season and are in the hunt again.

Aided by a trusty left foot, the 25-year-old Bowen has has been clinical in front of goal with 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions — more than any other West Ham player.

In last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Leicester, Bowen opened the scoring with a cool finish before providing the cross for Craig Dawson's injury-time equaliser.

«I'm just thinking, in that type of finish, it's reminiscent of someone like Robbie Fowler, that sort of player,» said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.external-link

«That's what it feels like with Bowen… when he's in those situations, you just expect him to score.»

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards described Bowen's form as «mind-blowing» and «instrumental» to West Ham's rise, adding:external-link «He seems to get better and better every time you watch him. He is