- Bowen part of Three Lions squad
- Hoping to make final Euro 2024 squad
- But will miss young family back at home
WHAT HAPPENED?
The West Ham star is part of Gareth Southgate’s provisional Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 and started Monday night’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park. Bowen will be hoping to make it onto the plane to Germany for the tournament proper but will miss more time with his young family if he is included. However, the 27-year-old has joked that heading to Euro 2024 may provide some relief from trying to keep up with his energetic baby daughters.
WHAT BOWEN SAID
He told reporters: “My little girls have just turned one. When you come away you miss them. It’s my first experience with children. To FaceTime them during down time, they recognise you and get excited. It gives you that bit of a buzz because you know what you’ve got back home. But when I’m on FaceTime with my missus, they’re all causing carnage – crawling around the house, and the little one running. Sometimes, I’m glad I’m here! But from where I’ve come from, to go to a major tournament would be the pinnacle. There’s a lot that goes into getting to that stage.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Southgate must trim his squad by seven players before England fly out which will mean some heartbreaking decisions must be made. Bowen missed World Cup 2022 after being left out at the last minute but has impressed in recent internationals and will feel confident he will make the cut. Elsewhere, Jack Grealish’s place appears to be in danger, while Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and James Maddison will also be sweating on Southgate’s final decision.
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND
England players have one final chance to convince Southgate they should be on the plane on Friday when the Three Lions take on Iceland at Wembley in their final pre-tournament friendly. The team’s next game is against Serbia at Euro 2024 on June 16.
