The West Ham United players' main focus for now should be on keeping West Ham United in the Premier League. The Hammers are just two points above the drop zone with five massive games remaining in the season.
For the players whose countries have qualified for the World Cup this summer, they are also playing for their spots on their national team's roster. Here are three players who could make a big statement at the World Cup this summer.
3 West Ham players who are the most optimistic about making a World Cup statement
1. Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes only recently made his Portugal debut. However, his form for West Ham has seen him recently being linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. He could be in line for a transfer away from the London Stadium this summer, even if the Hammers remain in the Premier League.
Portugal already has a very talented midfield, which includes the likes of Man United's Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha of PSG. Both of these players could be future club teammates of West Ham's Fernandes. His performances for West Ham could earn him more than just a fringe role in Roberto Martinez's side this summer.
Fernandes' ability to play centrally, defensively, as well as in attacking midfield roles could be a big asset to Martinez. The Portugal head coach always has the conundrum of having to shoehorn the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo into his lineup.
Portugal's group for the World Cup consists of Colombia, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo. Therefore, we could see Fernandes up against his West Ham teammate, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, when the Portuguese take on the African side.
2. Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen has featured in eight of Thomas Tuchel's 12 games in charge of England. However, his only goal contribution was an assist in a 5-0 win over Latvia in a World Cup qualifier. Despite this, Bowen still has a great chance of playing a pivotal role for the Three Lions at the tournament this summer.
Bowen is competing with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke for a place on the right wing for England. The Arsenal and Chelsea players have not set the world alight this season, whilst Bowen has been key for West Ham in their bid to stay in the Premier League.
The Three Lions are in a group with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. With Tuchel at the helm, they have a top manager when it comes to knockout soccer. Bowen could be a key part of Tuchel's lineup for this tournament.
3. El Hadji Malick Diouf
El Hadji Malick Diouf recently won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. However, the country astonishingly got stripped of the title. Diouf must put this disappointment behind him as Senegal focuses on the World Cup.
His side is in a group with France, Norway, and Iraq, so it will be difficult for them to make it to the knockout stages. Diouf's ability on the ball, especially when it comes to putting crosses into the box, makes him a real threat from left-back.
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