Espirito Santo says West Ham star must go to World Cup | OneFootball

West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo has insisted that Jarrod Bowen must go to the World Cup, and that England manager Thomas Tuchel cannot afford to leave him out.

There is a lot of competition on the right-wing, where Bowen plays. Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke are just some of the other players who will be vying for that spot at the World Cup.

Asked about his chances of making the squad for the World Cup in America this summer, Espirito Santo said: “I don’t see his form dipping, honestly. I think he’s doing really, really well. And the work that he’s putting every minute of the game is being extraordinary. 

“We are aware that he has his personal objective to go to the World Cup, which I think should and must happen because he’s a fantastic player. I think Thomas (Tuchel) cannot afford not to have him around.”

It has been a busy January transfer window for West Ham, with the main story being the departure of star player Lucas Paqueta to Flamengo.

Espirito Santo was asked about the Brazilian’s legacy at the club, and said: “I can only say since I joined West Ham. I think he’s part of the history of West Ham. Like you said, the final (Conference League). He’s been there in the huge moments that we have had as a club. We cannot take away that from history.

“I have a lot of memories. It was not long, but I think it was a pleasure for me to work with Lucas. I really believe that he’s a special player. A special player and a special person.”

Surprisingly, through the Paqueta drama the Hammers have actually been experiencing their best run of form this season.

They have won their last three games in a row in all competitions and Santo was asked how impressed he has been that the players have managed to stick together during this period.

“They are together since I’ve joined,” he said. “I never saw anything else besides commitment and belief to try and get out of the situation. What we try is to ignore, and understand what was happening and focus on our tasks. 

“The players have done that. Fortunately, we achieved good results and good performances. We have to keep going and try not only to ignore what’s happening in this transfer window but also the noise around us. It only can help us.”