Tuchel should break unwritten rule for inspirational West Ham captain Bowen

It has become accepted football wisdom that Championship players should not make the England grade. Goalkeepers might have an outside chance because of a small pool of number ones in the Premier League, but not outfield players.

The last Championship footballer to play a match for England was Sam Johnstone, who was West Bromwich Albion’s keeper when he earned three England caps in 2021. James Trafford earned a call-up from Thomas Tuchel when playing for Burnley in the Championship but did not make his debut until he was on Manchester City’s books.

Since he became England manager, it is unlikely Tuchel has been to a Championship match. But he does not need to go to a match to make an exception to the Championship rule when he names his latest squad next week.

He is unlikely to do it, but Tuchel should include Jarrod Bowen. And not just because his form has been predictably good for West Ham, not just because he scored a couple in the 3-2 win at Bolton the other night.

But because he bucked a trend. Because he showed qualities that are important in a character representing his country. Loyalty, spirit.

Bowen has suddenly not become below international class because he has played his last six matches in the Championship. He was very unlucky not to make Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup, don’t forget.

Bowen has not stayed at West Ham purely out of love. He is extremely well-remunerated and perhaps there was not as much elite interest in him as might have been expected before he made his decision to remain at the club.

And it is a calculated gamble. Bowen might have realised this could be a thoroughly enjoyable season.

He might have realised that being relegated from the Premier League does not need to be the doomsday scenario that so many like to imagine. West Ham fans might already be having more fun than they had in the entirety of last season.

They will see more goals - West Ham are averaging 2.3 a game as opposed to 1.2 a game last season - and they will see more wins. They will enjoy going to places such as Bolton. It makes a change. They will revel in the challenge of returning to the top flight.

They will see their team have the ball a lot more than they did last season. And they will not have to put up with the royal pain that VAR has become.

There is not a massive amount not to like. And, in their massive numbers, they will have a fantastic bond with a player who - after six and a half years at the club - has become one of their own.

Tuchel should not be in the business of handing out rewards to players just because they are nice guys. But Bowen is a very good player who is taking on a different challenge. And that should not mean his England career is put on hold.

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