Jarrod Bowen is relishing every single moment of his first England experience.
The West Ham United forward, on the back of a sensational 2021/22 in Claret and Blue, has earned his first three England caps over the last ten days, playing the full 90 minutes against Hungary last weekend before substitute appearances versus Germany and Italy.
The 25-year-old looks right at home donning the iconic white of the Three Lions and, having impressed in each of his international outings, is making the most of each day with the squad.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” Bowen said. “It’s all new, obviously, international football. I’m just taking it each game as it comes.
“I said the other day I’m just trying to do what I’ve done all season. I don’t want to change my approach or my way of playing because it’s got me here. The main message from me is I want to keep doing what I’ve been doing.
“The margins are really tight and that’s something I’m learning about international football. We haven’t had a big scoring game since I’ve been here and that comes down to the quality of the teams.”
Central to Bowen’s comfort in joining the England camp is the mentality created by manager Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions regulars.
The Hammers No20 feels welcomed to the group by his teammates and invigorated by his international boss’ words of encouragement.
“Gareth creates a togetherness. This is a really good group and everyone is just so welcoming. From my first day coming in, they’ve made me feel at ease, because it’s hard coming in and not really knowing anyone personally except for Dec [Rice].
“Everyone has been so welcoming – from the manager, to the kit men, to the media team – it’s just been really easy to get my feet in.
“The main thing the manager has said to me is ‘do what got you here’. As an attacking player, you want that freedom and that confidence from your manager. For us attackers, we obviously defend as well, but I think with the ball is where we’re most dangerous. It’s a freedom to go and play.”
Bowen will be optimistic of earning even more international minutes – and hopefully another start – on Tuesday when England line up against Hungary again in the UEFA Nations League, this time on home soil.
With a final match of the 2021/22 season to come, Bowen is determined to make his opportunity count and ensure this England experience is the first of many, many more.
“I didn’t want to come here and then be out of the next squad,” he added. “The message from me is I want to continue playing for my country. It’s the best feeling with this group. It would be wrong to say I don’t want to be involved.
“I don’t want to say I’ve made it. When I came in, it was about showing what I was about both on and off the pitch as a person. I think I’ve done that with the game time I’ve had. I didn’t know if I was going to play any minutes coming here. I’m grateful to have played the minutes I have with one game left as well.”
