Bukayo Saka 'headache' as team-mate has no intention of easing off on Arsenal star

England and West Ham star Jarrod Bowen has sent a warning to Bukayo Saka over his place in the national team, as he intends to compete for a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka seems secure in his place in the England team, but he has been sent a clear warning over his position for the months ahead.

The winger has been a key part of the Three Lions setup since his debut for the senior national team back in 2020. With 48 appearances and 14 goals to his name, Saka seems to be the number-one option on the right wing, but there is competition there who will battle with him for a starting shirt.

Noni Madueke is one of those, with the Arsenal ace impressing since joining from rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Madueke's injury has kept him out of the team over the past month, but there is an expectation that he will be back fit and firing soon.

Then there is Jarrod Bowen, who started in England's win over Albania in place of Saka. The West Ham ace is looking to make an impression over the next few months to not only help the Hammers get out of any relegation danger, but to put himself in a prime position to compete for an England shirt at the 2026 World Cup.

Bowen spoke after he featured for the Three Lions, and said, via the Independent: "What I'm up against is Bukayo [Saka], Noni [Madueke] is injured for this camp, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden can all play there - you're talking about world-class, elite players and I'm in the same category as them.

“Bukayo has proved it at international and club level. For me, it's about keeping pushing myself and keep pushing Bukayo as well. Give the manager a headache and give Bukayo a headache as well.”

Both Saka and Madueke are part of a growing core of Arsenal stars who are part of the England national team setup. Ebere Eze has become a regular part of the squad, while Myles Lewis-Skelly was dropped from the most recent set of internationals, but is still on the radar of Thomas Tuchel moving forward.

Saka has, however, been challenged to score more for the Three Lions by his manager. With 14 goals for the national team, the 24-year-old is now the top-scoring Arsenal player for England, but speaking back in October, it was clear that Tuchel wanted more.

He said: "This has to be more [goals for England]. It's not enough. He needs to keep on going. I thought it was 30 at least! And then I would have said 'well it's not enough' because I'm never, never satisfied."

That assessment was something Saka agreed with when he said: "The way I perform for Arsenal, I want to take it into England and perform better in games and be more effective. That is always my plan."

The next international break isn't until March, meaning that Saka will return to Arsenal with club football on his mind. However, his form will be an important part of any hope that England have of making it far in the 2026 World Cup, even with his team-mates pushing him all the way.