Jarrod Bowen left with 'mixed emotions' after losing to Hungary on his England debut
- Sean Fisher
- 5 June 2022
Jarrod Bowen's England debut didn't quite go to plan, with the Three Lions suffering a 1-0 loss to Hungary on Saturday afternoon.
Jarrod Bowen's superb form with West Ham this season earned the 25-year-old a call-up to this month's England camp.
The Hammers forward was even handed a start by Gareth Southgate on Saturday, as England looked to start their Nations League campaign with a win against Hungary.
However, England's trip to Budapest didn't go according to plan, with the hosts stunning the Euro 2020 finalists with a second-half penalty to claim a 1-0 win.
Bowen occasionally looked bright on the right flank for England, but a stubborn Hungarian defence starved the side of space for much of the match.
From #ThreeLions fan to #ThreeLions debutant. 🤩
— England (@England) June 5, 2022
Congratulations, @_JarrodBowen! pic.twitter.com/2j018WRnUJ
Following the loss, Bowen said he felt "mixed emotions" about his debut, with the defeat leaving a sour taste on what would've been a proud day for the West Ham star.
"I felt comfortable," insisted Bowen.
"Of course it's different to what I'm used to playing. I've never played international football before.
"It was about doing what I've been doing this season. Not changing my approach to the game, not changing the way I play, exactly how I've been playing all season and just doing it on it a bigger stage, really.
"Of course it was special playing for your country. It's just a bit disappointing with the result in terms of mixed emotions with making my debut but losing the game.
"But of course first and foremost making my debut for my country…I'm delighted."
Our focus shifts to Tuesday night.
— England (@England) June 5, 2022
Next up: Germany! pic.twitter.com/UQ80axn5Th
Bowen will have plenty of other chances to improve on his England record, with a flurry of Nations League matches taking place this month.
In the next 10 days, England travel to Munich to play Germany, before consecutive home games against Italy and Hungary.
