Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman in line for England promotion after heroics

Max Dowman has enjoyed a standout breakout season under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal and it appears that the playmaker is now on the verge of a promotion in the England youth ranks

England under-21 boss Lee Carsley has admitted that he is keeping a close eye on Arsenal starlet Max Dowman. The 15-year-old has enjoyed a sensational breakout campaign for the Gunners this season, having made five appearances.

He has already become the club’s youngest-ever starter as well as the youngest-ever player to take to the pitch in the Champions League. And while Dowman has yet to score his debut goal, his performances have earned praise from boss Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans alike.

His displays in North London have also seen the youngster earn international recognition. He has risen up through the England age ranks, having played for each of the under 16s, 17s and 19s.

And now, England’s Under-21 head coach Carsley has admitted that Dowman is now firmly on his radar despite his tender years. He said of the talented teenager: “He’s a player that we’re monitoring. Sometimes that talent, we have to accelerate it so quickly because of the challenge they are getting at their clubs.

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“It’s important that we keep in mind how young Max is and we are fully aware of him. We get all of the feedback from the camps that he plays on and there is definitely time. He’ll definitely get his chance within the Under-21s.”

Speaking earlier this month about Dowman’s ability, Arsenal boss Arteta said: “What he’s done on the pitch – he comes in, the first ball he takes is he takes people on, he starts to dribble and gets a foul. That’s personality, that’s courage – and you cannot teach that. You have it or you don’t.

“And it doesn’t matter what his passport says. You throw him in this context and he is able to adapt and have a good performance.”

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Dowman is not the only Premier League youngster under consideration by the England under-21s. Manchester United star Shea Lacey is also among those who is being checked on by FA staff.

Carsley added: “He’s been in the pathway a good amount of time now and he’s a player that we rate highly. It worked out well that we needed that position for the training we were doing and Shea was more than happy to come over and train with the Under-21s.

“You can see he’s a good talent. I know he’s struggled with injuries in the past, which has probably held back his development, but I think it’s so important we don’t rush these young players, we let them develop in their own time. I think he trained two sessions with us and I enjoyed having him.”

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