Thomas Tuchel told he could have made 'progressive' Max Dowman England call
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(Credit: Imago)
Ciaran Morrison
Mon 8 September 2025 19:30, UK
Arsenal star Max Dowman shined for the England Under-19s, but Thomas Tuchel has been told he would have been better off in the senior squad.
Tuchel’s reign continued as England beat Andorra 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Villa Park, though the performance was criticised by many.
Dowman starred for England Under-19’s against Spain earlier this month and continues to make an impressive breakthrough into the Arsenal first team squad.
The 15-year-old could become the youngest player in Champions League history should he appear for Arsenal in the competition this season.
In The Times [8 September], Martin Samuel believes Dowman could have had a more “progressive” international break had Tuchel called him up to train with the senior England squad.
Samuel criticised Tuchel for picking the likes of Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in his squad and not looking at in-form players.
“Dowman got essential match experience but at some physical cost.
Is there another way?” Samuel asked.
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“Put it like this: if Tuchel had called him into the senior squad — not as a playing member, but to train and learn, as has been happening at Arsenal — is that not a more progressive take than this latest edition of back to the future?”
An interesting take from the highly-respected journalist, who is clearly eager to see Arsenal’s youngest star take the next step in his exciting career.
Dowman has already starred for the England Under-17’s and is rising through the ranks now with the Under-19’s squad.
Max Dowman for England’s Under-17’sStatsAppearances16Goals5Assists3Max Dowman’s England Under-17’s record.
After just two Premier League appearances, there would have been little chance Tuchel would have called Dowman up, but the Arsenal prodigy is sure to get a chance in the future.
More action will need to taken to protect Dowman as the 15-year-old is already too tough to stop for many opponents.
Against Andorra, England did need a fearless player willing to take on his opponent, which Dowman could have provided.