Stuart Pearce feels Jarrod Bowen could be in the England squad for the World Cup next autumn.
Pearce has 78 England caps and he's noted the progress of Bowen from Hereford United to West Ham.
It's a similar journey to that of Pearce who started at Wealdstone before moving to Coventry City in 1983.
“He’s playing well, he’s scoring goals, we’re playing well as a team.
He’s a fantastic lad who wants to learn and wants to get better," said Pearce as reported by football.london.
“The important thing, as well, is that he will improve. I don’t think he’s the finished article and I think he’ll get better and better.
“If he has a strong end to the season, the team are doing particularly well, he might be in the Nations League games in June.
“A big squad will be needed and if one or two of our teams get to the Champions League final, I’m not sure if Gareth will have all those players available for all those games.
“That might open the door for Jarrod and he’s playing well enough.
“Everyone loves a story of a player coming through the non-league scene, [Jamie] Vardy certainly a few years ago captured the headlines when he made that journey to become a big star in the Premier League.
“I
think there’s a real collection of players that have honed their trade
at non-league in the local community and gone right the way through."