Thomas Tuchel considering huge Max Dowman decision after England stars leave squad
Max Dowman could be called up for England(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel could call upon Max Dowman for England's coming Nations League clashes following a number of high-profile withdrawals from the Three Lions.
Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have each ruled themselves out of the upcoming clashes with Spain and Croatia - as well as a double header with Czechia - in a shock turn of events.
Arsenal's Rice has reportedly backed out over concerns with load management, while Chelsea talent, Palmer, has picked up a slight injury which he looks to monitor at his own pace.
It's a similar case for Manchester United's Rashford, who picked up a knock during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham. His team-mate, Mainoo, and Newcastle United's Livramento are also on the road to recovery from minor setbacks.
While Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner have been brought in as cover for the upcoming quartet of games, it is claimed that Tuchel is considering picking up the phone for teen sensation, Dowman.
Dowman is already based at St George's Park alongside England's U19s set-up, and as a result, Tuchel will not have to look far should he opt to select the 16-year-old Arsenal talent for Nations League action.
It comes as the Chelmsford-born talent racked up six Premier League appearances for the Gunners last season, becoming the English top flight's youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Everton in March at 16 years and 73 days old.
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He also managed three Champions League appearances under Mikel Arteta in a whirlwind season balanced with completing his GCSEs.
However, due to stiff competition, that wasn't enough to land Dowman a place in Tuchel's 2026 World Cup squad for North America - a squad that Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Lewis Hall were also omitted from.
The teenage prodigy could soon receive his first senior cap for the Three Lions over the course of the next two-and-a-half weeks, however, should Tuchel require further additions to his Nations League squad.
England kickstart their campaign against Spain at a sold-out Wembley on Saturday, September 26.
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The Three Lions then travel to Prague to take on Czechia come Tuesday, September 29.
A three-day lay-off then ensues as Tuchel's men prepare to take on Croatia in Rijeka on Saturday, October 3 - a game which will be played behind closed doors as a result of crowd issues during the nation's quarter-final against France in the same competition back in March 2025.
Around 100 England fans will be allowed to watch, however. After another three days, England return to Wembley to take on Czechia for the second time.
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