Jarrod Bowen says playing the “best football” in his career has propelled him back into Gareth Southgate’s squad after admitting the World Cup snub was a disappointment.
The 26-year-old earned all four of his caps just before the World Cup but wasn’t among the group travelling to Qatar last winter.
Bowen went on to bag the winning goal in West Ham’s Conference League final victory over Fiorentina last summer. He has since scored five goals and registered two assists in his first nine games this season but addressed the disappointment he felt last time out.
“I was disappointed to miss out but that’s what happened,” he said.
“I had to deal with it and all I could do was keep playing football to a level that I know that I can play at and everything will take care of itself.
“I think obviously the way I started this season I’m probably playing the best football that I’ve played, I think, in my career.
“I’ve had those experiences of Europe. It’s a bit different to when I came (before).
“I’m a dad now, so I’m in a different kind of place of, you know, you just feel a bit more mature and a bit more mature head on your shoulders.
“I feel in a really good place and, like I said, to be back here I’m really grateful for it.”
The winger says he had a uniquely special week having signed a new seven-year deal in east London just before re-joining his national team squad.
He added: “It’s a really special week. Obviously got the call on Thursday before our European game so had that. Won that game out there, which was nice.
“Then the new deal was sorted Saturday, over the weekend, so a really special kind of four days for me.
“I’ve always wanted to be back so to get the opportunity to be selected again is something I’m really grateful for.”
England’s fixtures against Australia and Italy and Wembley Stadium will be key for Bowen to avoid a similar disappointment at Euro 2024.
Bowen continued to explain he will enjoy staking his claim for further chances while making his first appearances at England’s home ground: “I haven’t had the opportunity yet to play at Wembley. So, two really good games coming up and just looking forward to it.
“Looking forward to being back, getting training and doing all I can.”
“That would be the ultimate. I have got four caps and I am massively grateful for them but that Wembley one… as a little boy you dream of playing for your country and you never think it is going to happen but now I am here I want to play at Wembley and hopefully I get the opportunity to do so.”
