West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen insists he is embracing every second of his first senior international tournament away with England, ahead of Wednesday’s crunch UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
The 27-year-old has made two appearances as the Three Lions have powered to the last four of a major competition for the third time in four attempts, featuring in the win over Serbia and the Denmark draw that helped secure top spot in Group C.
Game time has been hard to come by for Bowen since then, but he is clear about the role each member of Gareth Southgate’s squad has to play to keep the team on the path towards success.
“As a group we’re in a really good place, and all really enjoying the moment,” Bowen said, speaking alongside former Hammers captain Declan Rice in England’s latest episode of Lions’ Den.
“The games are coming thick and fast, but we’re in a Euros semi-final and we’ve got lots of good confidence and self-belief.
“It’s been a surreal experience for me over here in Germany. Playing in the first two games was incredible, and even though I haven’t been involved on the pitch since then there’s still an important part to play.
Everyone pulling in the same direction! 🤝
Love that,️ @_JarrodBowen! ❤️ #LionsDen connected by @EE 🦁 pic.twitter.com/907yZwb9OO— England (@England) July 8, 2024
“For all of the players who haven’t had as many minutes, the energy we can bring to the other lads goes a really long way. We have to be ready to come on, and we have to be able to lift the team up another ten to 20 per cent so they can keep going and going.
“Switzerland were a really good side in the quarter-finals, and it was amazing to get through a penalty shootout. The celebrations after were great, there is a feel-good factor around the place and hopefully we can keep that going into the next round now.”
A mouth-watering match-up against the Dutch awaits Bowen and his teammates in Dortmund, and plenty of familiar faces - including Premier League stars Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké and Cody Gakpo - are set to stand in the way of a second successive Euros final for England, against either Spain or France.
But the main focus among Southgate’s charges is on their upward trajectory and on what they can control according to Bowen, who is ready to make his mark if called upon for what would be his eleventh cap.
The Irons’ No20 added: “Since the last game, we’ve just tried to stick to the same routine we’ve had while we’ve been out here, and do the same sorts of things we’ve done.
“The work we do in training is aimed towards a match, and for me I’m just preparing myself for the moment I’m needed next, which could come at any time.
“We know the Netherlands are going to be a good side, but there’s a good buzz about us just now. We’re excited for the match, that is going to take place in a really good stadium, and I think we’re ready for it.”
