Paul Scholes has made a strong case for Arsenal's young star, Max Dowman, to be included in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup. The former Manchester United legend believes there is no doubt about the midfielder's talent and insists that there isn’t another English player with his level of ability.
Dowman has been making waves this season after his breakthrough at the Emirates Stadium, earning attention as a potential surprise inclusion in England’s World Cup squad. The 17-year-old midfielder recently became the second youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut, with only teammate Ethan Nwaneri being younger.
Despite Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach due to Dowman still being at school, there have been growing calls for Thomas Tuchel to include the Arsenal prodigy in his final World Cup squad, which will be announced on May 22. Scholes, who earned 66 caps for England, is one of the most vocal supporters of the young talent.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes praised Dowman’s abilities, stating, “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 England doesn’t have a player like Dowman and believes Tuchel, known for taking risks with young talents, could be the right manager to give him a chance. He also highlighted Dowman’s performances for the England U20s, saying, “Did you see his goals for the England U20s?”
While Tuchel has plenty of options in midfield and attacking areas—players like Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Morgan Rogers are all competing for spots—Scholes remains firm in his belief that Dowman deserves a place.
“Anyone, I don’t care. I think he’s brilliant,” Scholes said. “Spain would do it and Spain are successful. I would take him all day long. I don’t think there’s an English player with the ability he’s got. He floats past people.”
Scholes’ former teammate, Rio Ferdinand, also supports the idea of including Dowman in the World Cup squad. On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand stated, “I think he has to go [to the World Cup]. I think he’s special.”
Ferdinand highlighted how Dowman has consistently performed against older players, both in training and in matches. “He’s doing the same thing he did through every age group in the Premier League against grown men. He’s been doing the same thing in training against Arsenal players who are top of the Premier League.”
He continued, “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.”
Ferdinand drew a comparison to Michael Owen, who was taken to the World Cup as a young player and went on to become a global star. “Those talents have to go. Even if he went there and didn’t play, it would be useful for him to get used to the environment and playing at a tournament.”
For now, Dowman will focus on helping Arsenal win their first Premier League title since 2004—five years before he was born. The Gunners can clinch the title by winning their remaining two games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
As the debate over Dowman’s inclusion in the World Cup squad continues, many believe that giving him the opportunity could be a game-changer for English football.
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Should England take Dowman to the World Cup?
Yes - he's good enough
No - it's far too soon
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