Dean Ashton has told talkSPORT he expects Gareth Southgate, along with top clubs, to be watching Jarrod Bowen for a potential England call-up if he keeps impressing at West Ham.
Bowen has left the former Irons striker in awe with his efforts at the London Stadium under David Moyes. The winger joined the Hammers in January 2020 from Hull City for £22m, and has consistently shown his Premier League talent since leaving the Championship behind.
The 24-year-old has scored 12 goals and offered 14 assists in 68 top-flight appearances to date. Three of his goals and five assists have also come this season so far over 17 outings.
Only Michail Antonio (6) and Pablo Fornals (4) have outscored Bowen for West Ham in the Premier League this season. He has also provided more assists than any of his teammates.
Bowen leaving Ashton in awe with West Ham performances
Ashton expects Southgate to look toward West Ham and study Bowen for future England squads if he keeps impressing. But the former Irons forward also expects clubs to show an interest in the £96k-a-week dynamo, given his all-round performances.
“Bowen has been magnificent and when you’re looking at teams now that want to press from the front, he’s outstanding at it,” Ashton said.
“He will work and is willing to go back the other way and defend. He’s got a great attitude and I think if he continues to do that and improve, continues to be a threat from set plays in terms of his delivery, then he will catch the eye of top sides and also England, as well.
“But it’s very difficult when you have so many players fighting for those positions.”
Bowen is yet to represent his country at any level in his career and could struggle to force his way into Southgate’s England plans, despite his impressive West Ham performances.
Southgate included Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford as his wide options in November. He also called Jadon Sancho up in October and has Emile Smith Rowe, Ollie Watkins and Mason Greenwood from previous squads.
Yet, with England not in action again until March, Bowen has plenty of time to shine with West Ham and impress Southgate as much as he has already impressed Ashton.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
