Rio Ferdinand blasted England manager Gareth Southgate for snubbing West Ham United duo Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse.
The Manchester United legend says ‘it can’t be right’ that players, who are performing in the Premier League, aren’t getting picked, yet players who aren’t even playing are, as he told Vibe with Five.
That includes Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips. He has only made one substitute appearance this season, just like Harry Maguire of Manchester United.
Meanwhile, over at West Ham, who have started the new season in a strong fashion, Jarrod Bowen and James Ward-Prowse have been at the heart of it all.
Yet, never mind earning minutes or starts under Southgate. They aren’t even making the squad.
That was touched upon by Ferdinand, who praised Ward-Prowse and Bowen for what they have produced on the domestic stage, despite being snubbed.
Bowen and Ward-Prowse at England
“There are others there,” said Ferdinand. “Give them the opportunity. Give them the chance. The messaging it sends to the squad, it can’t be right.
“Kalvin Phillips gets called up. Ward-Prowse is probably sitting there thinking. ‘What more do I have to do, by the way, to get a call-up? To get in the squad? Not even start, just get in the squad’.
“Bowen. He scored the winner in the final for West Ham. Hit the ground running again this season by scoring goals. He still doesn’t get called up.”
West Ham will still benefit from Ward-Prowse and Bowen snubs
Yes, the West Ham faithful will be annoyed by how their players have been treated and how they aren’t being rewarded for their performances.
But, at the end of the day, they will benefit from it all.
Two key players are being rested over the international break, they remain injury-free and ready for a hectic fixture list, including games in the Europa League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
