Jarrod Bowen came to watch us training

Pupils at Leominster primary school are proud to go to the same school as the England star

As England's footballers face their final group match at Euro 2024, pupils at one Herefordshire primary school will be keeping a close eye on one player in particular, Jarrod Bowen.

The 27-year-old is a former pupil at Leominster primary school, and his successors could not be more proud of his success.

"It's an inspiration. Going to Leominster primary school, this tiny town of ours and then making it big. It's sensational," said Riley, 11.

Head teacher Helen Rees added: "I think it shows the children that you can dream high, and hard work and determination can pay off.

"He has visited the school, so he hasn't forgotten his roots."

The West Ham star's visits home are the stuff of local legend.

Jack, 11, recalled: "I used to play for Leominster Town and I had no idea, but he came to watch the training.

"When I got in the car to go home, my mum said 'did you know Jarrod Bowen was there?' and I was just shocked. I was annoyed I didn't get to meet him.

As the forward talks up team morale ahead of Tuesday's clash with Slovenia, some of the school staff remembered Bowen's own time at the school, and the early signs of his talent.

Sandra Hunt said he was "just this thin little boy with blond hair and glasses on the end of his nose.

"Everybody wanted to be on his team, so I put five on one side and nine on the other, just to balance it out a bit."

Rose Styles recalled Bowen's insistence that he would make it big in the sport, on occasions when "he wasn't always focused".

"Then when he played for Hereford, they came back from Aldershot and I saw him in Radford's (club bar) and he looked across and just said 'I told you so'."

As the Euros campaign continues, the current crop of Leominster pupils remain in awe of their predecessor's achievements.

"It's really good. He's grown up, been raised in Leominster, and now he's playing for West Ham and England," said 11-year-old Stanley.