Monday, June 6

Bowen's England debut, Yarmy's mixed fortunes

Mixed fortunes for Hammers current and former in the international games of our never-ending season. Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice both started for England against Hungary in the Nations League, the first time two West Ham players have started for England since Rob Green and Matthew Upson played together in 2010. Bowen worked hard during England's defeat and was a little unlucky not to score with a first time volley that went straight to the keeper. But England looked jaded and after the demands on Bowen this season it's surely asking too much of all the players to perform at this stage.

Meanwhile former Hammer Andriy Yarmolenko scored a great goal against Scotland for Ukraine, featuring some fine control and a clever lob. He then scored an unfortunate own goal against Wales nodding in Gareth Bale's free kick as Ukraine's World Cup dream ended. Yarmy always looks much better when playing for Ukraine and it's still a bit of a mystery how a top international could have flopped at West Ham. He clearly has class, but after a bad cruciate injury lacked the pace and intensity for the Premier League. But bearing in mind the horrific invasion of his country we all wish him well and will enjoy the memories of that crucial winner against Chelsea and Yarmy's emotional goals against Villa and Sevilla.

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