Jarrod Bowen has expressed his delight and pride at being called up to the England squad for the first time in his career.

The Hammers forward, who has been in outstanding form this season, bagging 18 goals in all competitions, has been selected by Gareth Southgate to be part of the England team in this summers Nations League fixtures.

Bowen is understandably thrilled to cap off a wonderful season with the call up which many in the game feel was rightly deserved.

“I’ve had a good season and a good couple of years, and I’ve always wanted to play for England, but getting to the national team is harder than almost anything else in football, so for it to happen is the icing on the cake.

“The media had been saying I was in the frame, and that’s all good, but you’ve got to do it week-in, week-out and show the manager why you deserve to get the call-up. It wasn’t until Gareth Southgate called me and I saw my name on that squad list that I knew it was official and I could believe it!

“During the last World Cup, I was in the pub with my mates when Harry Kane scored a last-minute winner against Tunisia and everyone was throwing beer around, so I’ve always been a big England fan. Now, I’ve got the opportunity to become an England player and make those boyhood dreams come true.”

Bowen also said that he will be calling on his fellow West Ham and now England teammate Declan Rice to get advice before he kicks off his international journey.

“I’ll definitely have a chat with Dec about what to wear, what to do and stuff like do I take my boots!” Bowen added.

“Seriously though, I’m looking forward to seeing him again and this time we’ll be in England kit – it’s just a dream come true.”