Arsenal forward could be handed England opportunity to reward impressive form
Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman could reportedly be handed his first opportunity to train with the senior England squad during the international break.
The 16-year-old is currently part of the England Under-19 squad, but Thomas Tuchel is considering bringing him into senior training at St George’s Park following several withdrawals, according to The Sun.
Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have all pulled out, with Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner subsequently drafted into Tuchel’s squad.
Dowman would not necessarily be promoted into the senior squad for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, but training alongside Harry Kane and other established internationals would represent another significant step in his rapid development.
The timing is convenient because England’s Under-19s are also based at St George’s Park ahead of their friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Friday.
Dowman was officially named among the forwards in Will Antwi’s Under-19 squad alongside the likes of Reigan Heskey, Harry Gray and Manchester City’s Ryan McAidoo.
The Young Lions subsequently travel to Marbella for fixtures against Norway, the United States and Belgium, giving Dowman further opportunities at international level.
However, Tuchel has already made clear that the Arsenal youngster is on his senior radar.
When asked in March whether Dowman could force his way into England’s World Cup plans, the German refused to rule out the possibility and confirmed the teenager was in his thoughts.
Dowman ultimately did not make the World Cup squad, but his development has continued rapidly at Arsenal.
He became the youngest scorer in Premier League history last season before playing an important role during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.
The midfielder provided another reminder of his exceptional potential last Tuesday when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed him his first start of the season against Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.
His performances have already made him an increasingly prominent member of Arteta’s senior squad despite Arsenal continuing to manage his development carefully.
A senior England training opportunity would therefore represent the latest landmark for a player whose progress has accelerated dramatically over the past year.
England begin their Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley on Saturday before facing Czechia, Croatia and Czechia again during the extended international window.
Even if Dowman remains officially an Under-19 international for now, the possibility of training under Tuchel suggests a first senior call-up may be moving increasingly closer.
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