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Overlooked for this summers World Cup in the Far East because of these problems and very close to joining Premiership rivals Liverpool pre-season, the combative midfielder now has to prove to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson that he has what it takes to perform at international level.
"I was aware a lot of people were tipping me to get picked this time," said Bowyer.
"But I had no expectations because I have set myself up only to be disappointed in the past when I thought I might get in.
"So I'm just so glad to finally be given a chance to prove that I can play at this level - that is all I have ever wanted and it's a great feeling to be called up.
"I think I can rise to the challenge, but I won't really know until I've played."