Thomas Tuchel has spoken about the potential of Arsenal’s promising teenager Max Dowman earning a call-up to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The England head coach shared his thoughts on the development pathway for the young Arsenal star, who has started to attract attention after his recent performances.
Dowman, who has featured intermittently for Arsenal this season, made headlines with two decisive late contributions in the Gunners’ clash against Everton — including a memorable goal.
His goal, which saw him sprint half the length of the pitch before finishing into an empty net, sparked discussions among fans and pundits about whether he should be included in England’s final home friendlies before the World Cup. However, Tuchel opted not to call him up at that stage.
So far this season, Dowman has made seven first-team appearances for Arsenal, registering one goal and one assist.
While he is set to represent England’s under-19 team in the European Championship qualifiers in March, Tuchel offered an update on when supporters might expect to see him in the senior England side.
“He put himself in the spotlight with that amazing goal against Everton and the decisive contribution,” Tuchel said during a press conference after revealing his extended 35-man squad for the March friendlies.
“At the moment, he’s competing well and is undoubtedly a fantastic and exceptional talent. There’s no question about his ability at his age.”
“Everyone who talks to me about Max is full of praise for him,” Tuchel continued. “But right now, he’s still fighting for regular minutes and is not yet a consistent starter for Arsenal.”
“He’s in a fantastic setup — a competitive and stable club where teamwork is the top priority. He’s learning alongside elite players in one of the best environments possible.”
“With young players like him, we monitor their progress closely. Just like you, we watch them carefully. For now, he’s in the right place to continue fighting for his minutes at Arsenal. And of course, there’s always the possibility that we could call him up for the World Cup.”
Although Tuchel did not confirm a call-up, his comments suggest that Dowman remains in contention for a surprise inclusion in the England squad heading to North America this summer.
If selected and he makes an appearance, Dowman would break Theo Walcott’s record as England’s youngest ever player at a major tournament — a record set at 17 years and 85 days old.
Arsenal’s next fixture will see them face Manchester City in the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
-
Jordan Pickford reflects on England’s narrow 2022 World Cup exit to France: ‘We aim to be the best, so setbacks must drive our growth’

-
‘I was playing tennis with Ruud van Nistelrooy when Sir Alex Ferguson started joking to distract him – and that’s how I won,’ recalls Diego Forlan about his first meeting with the Manchester United icon

-
PSG clinch back-to-back Champions League titles after penalty triumph over Arsenal

-
Mauricio Pochettino says Lionel Messi is redefining football standards in the US while aiming to lead the American team to new heights at the World Cup

-
David de Gea could make surprise Serie A switch as Juventus target ex-Manchester United star amid Alisson chase
