West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen has become the seventh England player to withdraw from Gareth Southgate’s original 26-man squad after picking up an injury.
Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Lewis Dunk, Callum Wilson, Levi Colwill and Kieran Trippier have already pulled out of the squad. And now the 26-year-old has also joined them.
Bowen reported for international duty last week and was part of the matchday squad on Friday when England defeated Malta 2-0.
Southgate confirmed the winger’s withdrawal during a press conference on Sunday ahead of their match with North Macedonia, saying (per the Sun): “Unfortunately Jarrod picked up an injury, I think he felt it a bit yesterday.
“And then again at the end of training today, so we didn’t really have enough time to assess it fully and make a really accurate decision before the game.
“So we felt better to leave him in England so that he can get it properly assessed. I don’t think it’s going to be anything serious.
“But we just didn’t have enough time and we wouldn’t take a risk in that situation.”
Bowen has been impressive for West Ham this season, netting eight goals in 12 Premier League appearances.
He scored only six goals during the 2022-23 league campaign but has already surpassed that number this term.
The 26-year-old has earned five caps for England, with four of them coming during the Nations League matches last year.
The Three Lions confirmed a spot at the Euro 2024 finals after beating Italy 3-1 in October.
But they want to ensure a top seeding for the summer’s tournament with victories in their November fixtures.
Southgate’s side were unconvincing against Malta, but they still secured a 2-0 success.
The Lynxes have been better than Michele Marcolini’s side in the Euro qualifiers, but England are expected to seal a comfortable victory.
