BOW UNDERPLAYS STRIKER STRING

ADRIAN KAJUMBA

BY

JARROD BOWEN joked his versatility may not increase his England prospects – because captain Harry Kane and in-form Ollie Watkins are among the competition in his other position.

The West Ham forward is gearing up for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium after being called up to the crucial final Three Lions squad before this summer’s Euros. Bowen forced his way into

Gareth Southgate’s plans after playing mainly as a right winger.

But this season he has also underlined his qualities as a striker, filling the role for most of the campaign and emerging as West Ham’s 18-goal top scorer.

With England blessed with options out wide, Bowen’s flexibility could give Southgate food for thought.

But the 27-year-old smiled and said: “If I’m playing up front I’ve got Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins to get ahead of!” The ‘quite shy’ star is enjoying his best-ever season and is firmly in contention for the showpiece in Germany.

“It’s definitely important (to be in the last squad before the Euros),” said Bowen (left). “I’m feeling really good going there and I’m excited to meet up.

“I feel like this year my consistency levels have been quite high. Going back to the last set of international call-ups, I scored a few goals before then.

There was quite a big break, so there’s always that question of if you start the season strongly you’ve got to be in the same place by the back end of the season.

“You had to show the same levels that got you there in the first place. I feel like I’ve been there all year.

“It’s the last squad before the summer, it’s a big opportunity to impress and when you come back it’s about keeping those same levels of consistency.”