Paul Scholes has made a strong case for Max Dowman to be included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup, stating that there is no doubt about the young Arsenal star’s potential. The former Manchester United and England midfielder believes that Dowman possesses a unique ability that is unmatched among English players.
Dowman has been considered as a possible surprise selection for the England team, following his impressive performances at Arsenal. The 17-year-old midfielder made history by becoming the second youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut this season. Only his teammate Ethan Nwaneri, who is even younger, has played in the competition at a younger age.
Despite being still in school, manager Mikel Arteta has been cautious with Dowman's playing time. However, there have been growing calls for Thomas Tuchel, who will announce his final World Cup squad on May 22, to include the young talent in the tournament.
Scholes, who earned 66 caps for England, has been vocal about his support for Dowman. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, he praised the young midfielder, saying, “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!”
Scholes emphasized that there is no other English player with the same level of ability as Dowman. He also pointed out that Tuchel might be the kind of manager who would take a chance on the young talent, citing his performances for the England U20s.
Tuchel has several options in midfield and attacking positions, with players like Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Morgan Rogers all competing for a spot. However, Scholes believes that Dowman should be selected over any of them, stating, “Anyone, I don’t care. I think he’s brilliant. Spain would do it and Spain are successful.”
Rio Ferdinand, another former England international, also supports the idea of including Dowman in the World Cup squad. On his YouTube channel, he said, “I think he has to go [to the World Cup]. I think he’s special.”
Ferdinand highlighted the young player’s consistency across different age groups, noting that he has been performing against senior players at Arsenal. He added, “Even the players there are going ‘wow,’ even the manager is saying he’s not seen anything like this from a player so young. It’s crazy.”
He also drew a comparison to Michael Owen, who was taken to the World Cup at a young age and went on to become a global star. “Those talents have to go,” Ferdinand said. “Even if he didn’t play, it would be useful for him to get used to the environment and playing at a tournament.”
Ferdinand also shared his belief that giving young talents like Dowman the experience of a World Cup can be beneficial in the long run. “I didn’t play a minute at the 1998 World Cup but that experience really helped at the 2002 tournament,” he said.
He concluded by saying, “I would love to see him go – it would be so exciting for English football. I would 100% take him – look at Spain with Lamine Yamal, I’m not comparing them but they saw a special talent and took him and then he blew everyone’s socks off.”
For now, Dowman will focus on helping Arsenal secure their first Premier League title since 2004. The Gunners can clinch the title if they win their remaining two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
As the debate over Dowman’s inclusion continues, fans and experts alike are watching closely. His performances could shape the future of English football, and many believe that his inclusion in the World Cup squad would be a bold and exciting move.
Whether or not he makes the final list, one thing is clear: Max Dowman is a name to watch in the coming years.
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