Max Dowman’s Potential World Cup Call-Up Sparks Debate
Max Dowman, the young Arsenal midfielder, has been making waves in English football with his exceptional performances. Paul Scholes, a former Manchester United legend and England international, is among those who believe that Dowman should definitely be included in England’s World Cup squad this summer. Scholes highlighted the teenager’s unique talent and insisted that there is no other English player with the same ability.
Dowman, who became the second youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut for Arsenal, has shown incredible promise. His performances have caught the attention of both fans and pundits, leading to discussions about his potential inclusion in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
A Rising Star at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has been cautious with Dowman’s playing time, considering he is still in school. However, despite this, there have been growing calls for Thomas Tuchel, who will announce his final World Cup squad on May 22, to include the young star. Scholes, who earned 66 caps for England, believes that Dowman is more than ready for the challenge.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes said: “How good is Max Dowman? He’s unbelievable.” He added, “Do you think he should be in the England squad for the World Cup? Look at Spain with Lamine Yamal… get him in!”
A Strong Case for Inclusion
Scholes emphasized that there is no other English player with the same level of ability as Dowman. He argued that Tuchel, known for his strategic approach, might be the right manager to take a chance on the young talent. Scholes also pointed out Dowman’s impressive performances for the England U20s, which further solidify his case.
Tuchel faces a tough decision with several talented players vying for a spot in the squad. Players like Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Morgan Rogers are all strong contenders. However, Scholes remains firm in his belief that Dowman deserves a place.
Rio Ferdinand’s Support
Rio Ferdinand, another former England international, also supports the idea of including Dowman in the World Cup squad. On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand praised the young midfielder, stating, “I think he has to go [to the World Cup]. I think he’s special.”
Ferdinand highlighted Dowman’s consistency across different age groups and his ability to perform against top-tier players. He noted that even experienced Arsenal players are impressed by Dowman’s skills, adding, “Even the players there are going ‘wow’, even the manager is saying he’s not seen anything like this from a player so young.”
Lessons from the Past
Ferdinand drew parallels to Michael Owen, who was given a chance at a young age and went on to become a global star. He believes that giving Dowman the opportunity to experience a World Cup, even if he doesn’t play much, would be invaluable for his development.
“I didn’t play a minute at the 1998 World Cup but that experience really helped at the 2002 tournament,” Ferdinand said. “I would love to see him go – it would be so exciting for English football.”
The Road Ahead
For now, Dowman will focus on helping Arsenal secure their first Premier League title since 2004. The Gunners need to win their remaining two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace to clinch the championship.
As the debate over his World Cup call-up continues, one thing is clear: Dowman’s talent is undeniable, and many believe he has the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage. Whether or not he gets the nod, his journey so far has already inspired a new generation of football fans in England.
