In Focus: Jarrod can add another string to England's Bow

Jarrod Bowen will hope to keep the good times rolling on England duty after signing a new long-term contract with West Ham.

The Hammers forward has been recalled to the international fold after a sensational start to the campaign — and he has now agreed to remain in East London for the next seven years.

As Bowen looks to make an impact for the Three Lions against Australia on Friday, we turn the spotlight on his fine form.

Back in the fold

Few players selected in Gareth Southgate's squad have maintained the levels of form Bowen has so far this term.

The 26-year-old has bagged five goals and two assists in 10 games in all competitions, helping David Moyes' men fly high in seventh.

Having failed to add to the four caps he picked up in the Nations League in 2022, Bowen has admitted he took his spell out of the fold — which saw him miss out on a World Cup place last year — badly.

He said: "I've never experienced being an international before in the summer that I did, so, it was new to me.

"Ultimately, I didn't deal with it well, but that's gone now."

Once a Hammer

Bowen is proof that you do not have to play for one of the established elite clubs in England to earn a place in the national team.

He reportedly had offers on the table from both Liverpool and Newcastle but the former Hull talent decided to remain with the side who gave him his break in the Premier League three-and-a-half years ago.

Having waved goodbye to another fan favourite in Declan Rice this summer, Bowen's loyalty will be music to the ears of the Irons faithful.

Speaking about his new contract, Bowen said: "Hopefully I can go down as a legend in years to come. 

"That's something I've definitely thought about because I've seen the treatment the older professionals get here and how loved and welcome they are, even when they've finished playing. 

"I feel that love and I want to be part of that for years to come."

Big-game player

Bowen has become a man for the big occasion during his time with the Hammers.

It was his goal that secured the Europa Conference League title for the East Londoners in May, while the Hammers have picked up 10 points from the five Premier League games he has scored in this term.

Manager Moyes said: "I'm not going to pick the England team, but to play for England you have to be able to score in big games. Jarrod's doing great for us."

Stake a claim

Next Tuesday's Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy is the priority during the international period, meaning Friday's clash with the Socceroos offers a chance for stars like Bowen to impress.

Bukayo Saka's withdrawal through injury means Bowen is almost a shoo-in to start on the right side of the attack at Wembley.

Bowen was picked ahead of Raheem Sterling in the squad this time around but the experienced forward's impressive form for Chelsea means he is becoming harder to ignore.

Sterling's return to Southgate's squad seems only a matter of time so Bowen knows he must seize this opportunity ahead of next summer's European Championship.

Replicating his club form by getting off the mark for his country would be the perfect way to do just that.