In the wake of England’s mixed start to EURO2024, West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen addressed the media from the team’s camp, striking a balance between understanding fans’ frustrations and urging them to stay supportive. As the Three Lions prepare for their crucial final group stage match against Slovenia, Bowen’s optimism and candid reflections offer a refreshing perspective on the team’s journey so far.
Bowen began by acknowledging the criticism from fans, who have been less than impressed with England’s performances—a narrow win over Serbia and a 1-1 draw against Denmark. Yet, he emphasised the importance of maintaining belief in the squad as they head into their decisive encounter.
“I get it, because you want to win the games and you want to be in the best position possible,” Bowen remarked. “But sometimes it’s not as easy as that. It’s my first tournament, so it’s my first time seeing England at a major tournament with the fans and the following
For Bowen, the experience has been nothing short of extraordinary, even if the results have been a bit underwhelming by the high standards set by Gareth Southgate’s side. He reminded supporters that the expectation to win every game, while aspirational, is not always realistic.
“We’ve set such high standards but we don’t expect to win every game because that’s a bit of an arrogance but we’re always confident in our own ability to win,” Bowen explained. “My message to the fans would be to keep sticking with it, keep showing the support that you have done because for me to experience it has been incredible.”
Having been used as a substitute in both of England’s games thus far, Bowen provided insight into the squad’s morale. Despite the external noise and criticism, he assured that the team remains united and focused on their goals.
“The mood is really high. We try not to get involved in the outside world because what we’ve got is a really tight group, a real togetherness,” he said. Bowen’s comments reflect a squad that, despite external pressures, remains cohesive and driven.
Sitting at the top of their group with four points, England controls their destiny. A win against Slovenia will see them advance to the knockout stages, a fact Bowen highlighted with a mix of pragmatism and positivity.
“We’re sat here with four points and it is probably the standards that we’ve set that it’s not two wins. But it’s still four points. We’re still top of the group and we’re still in control of our own destiny. We go to Tuesday’s game, win that and we’re going into the knockouts.”
Bowen’s remarks capture the essence of a team that, while acknowledging its imperfections, remains steadfast in its mission. The forward stressed the importance of keeping a level head and focusing on the task at hand.
“We know it will be a difficult game but we know what we have to do. We’re not sat here two games and two losses, bottom of the group. We’re still in a really good position so looking forward to the game,” he added.
As England prepares for their final group match, Bowen’s appeal to the fans is clear: keep the faith. His insights not only provide a window into the team’s mindset but also serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football.
The Three Lions have shown resilience and determination, qualities that will be crucial as they aim to progress in the tournament. With the support of their fans and the unwavering belief in their capabilities, Bowen and his teammates are poised to tackle the challenges ahead.
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