Actor Danny Dyer has branded his son-in-law Jarrod Bowen's exclusion from the England World Cup squad 'ridiculous'.

The former EastEnders landlord has revealed their families were so confident of him making Thomas Tuchel's selection that they were practically booking flights to the United States. 

Bowen, 29, has been spending time with his wife Dani, who he married just over a year ago, while the England squad have jetted out to prepare for the tournament.

Mr Dyer has been a vocal supporter of Bowen throughout the romance and the West Ham star has needed extra support recently after also suffering relegation from the Premier League.

Dyer told The Wayne Rooney Show: 'It's a double whammy for him, he had a terrible weekend, it's awful. 

'He didn't get called, which is a joke, by the way. I might be slightly biased, but that boy...

'We were half booking flights. That's how confident we were. And then it turns out he got the call [saying no]. So it's a tough weekend for the kid.

'He's got a big heart, man, and he should be on that plane. I think it's ridiculous. Difficult, though, isn't it?

'Without Jarrod, they're going to be pony. They're going to struggle. I don't think we'll beat Croatia in the first game. Anyone decent we've played, Senegal we lost to, Japan.

'As soon as he's had a test, we've failed. So, I don't know, I hope I'm wrong and I hope it's a good thing, but Jarrod should be on that plane.'

Bowen scored nine goals and provided 11 assists as West Ham lost their Premier League status after a 14-year stint. 

He also played in six of the eight England internationals leading up to Tuchel's selection, leaving the impression that he was part of the German's plans. 

The relegation was particularly painful for Bowen due to his responsibility as club captain, having been at the club since 2020.

It also leaves him in an awkward predicament as he has been linked with various Premier League clubs, but his wife would like to stay at their home in Essex. 

A source told The Sun: 'Jarrod has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere, and he is keen to keep testing himself at the very top. But this could be devastating for Dani, because they might have to relocate.

'Danny is absolutely devastated about his side dropping down to the Championship, and it could have major repercussions for the Dyers.'

The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham have all been linked - but a move to Spurs, who survived at West Ham's expense, would feel rather off-colour.