Jarrod Bowen desperate not to let the fear of missing out on another England tournament squad hinder his chances of making Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 roster

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Jarrod Bowen says he cannot fear another heartbreaking England cull on the eve of a major tournament, because that would hinder his chances of making the squad.

The West Ham winger was dropped by Gareth Southgate before the World Cup in 2022 and later admitted he did not deal with the situation well.

But Bowen now looks likely to make the plane to Germany next week after impressing in the March internationals and starting Monday night’s 3-0 win over Bosnia at St James’ Park.

There is one more chance to shine against Iceland at Wembley on Friday, and that is the 27-year-old’s sole focus.

‘I take it (the pressure of making the squad) head on,’ he said. ‘I’ve been in positions before with squads. Now I feel a bit more mature as a player, I’ve had a few more opportunities and gained confidence from it. I take every challenge head on. That’s when I’m at my best, playing with no fear.’

Jarrod Bowen started England's friendly win against Bosnia at St James' Park on Monday night

The West Ham star was dropped by Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

There is also now the added incentive of leaving an international legacy for his twin girls, who turned one last month.

‘I’m a really family-orientated man,’ he said. ‘My mum, my dad, my brothers, my sisters, everyone - I had my dad and brother here (against Bosnia), and Hereford to Newcastle is a long old way! Family is the most important thing to me, and of course, it gives you that drive.

‘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.’