The tension surrounding England’s 2026 World Cup squad has reached boiling point, and legendary actor and West Ham superfan Danny Dyer isn’t holding back. In an explosive rant that has set social media on fire, the Football Factory star has slammed England manager Thomas Tuchel for his “ridiculous” decision to omit Jarrod Bowen from the Three Lions’ 26-man squad.
A Double Blow for the Bowen Family
For Danny Dyer, this isn’t just about football—it’s personal. Jarrod Bowen, who married Dyer’s eldest daughter in 2025 and shares two children with her, has been the heart and soul of West Ham United for years. Following the Hammers’ devastating relegation from the Premier League earlier this season, the World Cup snub served as the ultimate “double-whammy.”
Speaking candidly on The Wayne Rooney Show ahead of Soccer Aid, Dyer revealed just how much the news has rocked the family. “He had a terrible weekend. It’s awful, he didn’t get called, which is a JOKE, by the way,” Dyer fumed. “We were half-booking flights. That’s how confident we were… He’s got a big heart and he should be on that plane. I think it’s ridiculous.”
The “Tuchel” Problem
Dyer didn’t stop at defending his son-in-law. He took direct aim at Thomas Tuchel, whose tactical decisions have come under fire from fans and pundits alike. Dyer dismissed the manager’s record, pointing to underwhelming performances against top-tier opposition. “Anyone decent we’ve played, we lost. We lost to Senegal and Japan. As soon as we’ve had a test, he’s failed.”
In a brutal assessment, Dyer explicitly named Arsenal’s Noni Madueke as the player who should have been left behind to make room for Bowen. “I hope I’m wrong, but Jarrod should be on that plane… over Madueke,” he stated.
What’s Next for Bowen?
The exclusion comes at a precarious time for Bowen’s club career. With West Ham now in the Championship, speculation is running rampant regarding a potential move to a top-flight rival, with Manchester United and Tottenham reportedly hovering. Dyer confirmed that despite the relegation, Bowen’s heart remains in East London. “He wants to stay because he loves the club,” Dyer added, though he remained tight-lipped on whether a departure is inevitable.
Dyer’s prediction for England’s tournament in North America is grim, to say the least. “Without Jarrod, they’re going to be pony,” he claimed. “I don’t think we’ll beat Croatia in the first game.”
