The ex-Tigers forward is looking to move on from a clash with Hammers supporters
Former Hull City star Jarrod Bowen is attempting to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad while moving past a confrontation with a West Ham supporter that stemmed from their mutual “love for the club”.
The 28-year-old earned selection for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia despite the Hammers’ dreadful beginning to the campaign.
Graham Potter’s team endured a 3-0 battering at newly-promoted Sunderland and a 5-1 home mauling by Chelsea, before suffering a devastating late 3-2 Carabao Cup loss at Wolves last Wednesday.
West Ham captain Bowen, who spent six seasons with Hull City before moving the Hammers, engaged in a heated confrontation with a supporter following the final whistle before team-mates intervened, promptly posting an apology on Instagram and promising to “set a better example”.
“Obviously I was disappointed and angry with ourselves for letting the lead go, and then you get caught up in amongst it with fans,” the forward explained to BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But, you know, I think it’s for the love of the club. I think the fans have got a lot of love for the club, I’ve got a lot of love for the club.
“I always wear my heart on my sleeve, got a lot of passion and I want the team to do well, and we’ve come off the back of three defeats that we were all really disappointed with.
“I think sometimes those things can happen. I think for someone who understands the club, like I think I do, I don’t think it’s almost frowned upon.
“You know, it’s not what I want to be doing, falling out with people, but sometimes these things happen in football.”
Bowen helped leave that incident and West Ham’s dreadful season opener in the past by finding the net during Sunday’s shock 3-0 Premier League victory over Nottingham Forest.
The goal has given him renewed confidence as he rejoined the England setup, having featured in Tuchel’s inaugural squad back in March before missing out on the June internationals.
“Attacking is probably the best options England’s had for a few years now,” the 16-cap striker said.
“I’ve been in and out of squads for a couple of years and always had that competition for places, and I think it’s really good. I think it really brings the best out of you.
“I think for me it’s a really big year. I’ve got a really big year at club level and then also international level as well. You know there’s a World Cup around the corner.
“So, I think for me, being back in the squad is just trying to show what I do at West Ham, week in, week out. I think that’s all that I can do.”
Bowen featured in the England team that made it to the Euro 2024 final and is eager to secure his spot for next summer’s World Cup in the United States.
“I wouldn’t say pressure,” he told talkSPORT regarding his objectives this month. “I think it’s more enjoying that responsibility, enjoying being here.
“Because ultimately when you were young and playing for your country, probably seemed a million miles away, when you’re here, I think it’s important not to get too frightened about the situation.
“You’re here on merit, you’re here for a reason, so I think it’s do what you do, that you’ve always done, that helped you get here.
“Then when you do get that opportunity, it’s important you know you have to take the opportunity, but I don’t see it as a pressure. I see it as a responsibility that you enjoy.”