Danny Dyer has branded Thomas Tuchel’s decision to leave Jarrod Bowen out of the England World Cup squad “ridiculous,” revealing the families were so convinced of his selection they had been half-booking flights to the United States before the crushing call came through.
The former EastEnders star, whose daughter Dani married the West Ham captain just over a year ago, spoke about the double blow facing Bowen — World Cup heartbreak combined with Premier League relegation — on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“It’s a double whammy for him, he had a terrible weekend, it’s awful,” Dyer said. “He didn’t get called, which is a joke, by the way. I might be slightly biased, but that boy… We were half booking flights. That’s how confident we were. And then it turns out he got the call saying no. So it’s a tough weekend for the kid.”
Dyer did not hold back in his assessment of what Bowen’s absence would cost England at the tournament. “He’s got a big heart, man, and he should be on that plane. I think it’s ridiculous. Without Jarrod, they’re going to be pony. They’re going to struggle. I don’t think we’ll beat Croatia in the first game. Anyone decent we’ve played, Senegal we lost to, Japan — as soon as he’s had a test, we’ve failed. So I don’t know, I hope I’m wrong and I hope it’s a good thing, but Jarrod should be on that plane.”
The exclusion is difficult to explain on purely footballing grounds. Bowen scored nine goals and contributed 11 assists for West Ham this season — impressive numbers for a side that ultimately finished in the relegation zone — and featured in six of England’s eight internationals in the build-up to Tuchel’s selection, giving every impression he was part of the German’s plans. His omission, alongside that of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has been among the most debated decisions of Tuchel’s tenure.
The relegation has added a further painful dimension. Bowen had been club captain at West Ham, having joined in 2020, and felt a personal sense of responsibility for the club’s 14-year stay in the Premier League coming to an end. The demotion also creates a dilemma about his future, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham all reported to have shown interest, according to The Sun. A move to Spurs — who survived at West Ham’s direct expense — would carry obvious complications. A source told The Sun that while Bowen is keen to keep competing at the highest level, the prospect of relocating is causing anxiety for Dani, who is settled with the family at their home in Essex. “This could be devastating for Dani, because they might have to relocate,” the source said. “Danny is absolutely devastated about his side dropping down to the Championship, and it could have major repercussions for the Dyers.”
