Max Dowman: Micah Richards says what Arsenal starlet must do to go to the World Cup
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Credit: Imago Mon 30 March 2026 15:15, UK Max Dowman has made just seven senior appearances for Arsenal, yet he is already under discussion to go to the World Cup with England this summer.The 16-year-old scored his first goal for the Gunners in the closing moments of their win over Everton earlier this month, and has taken the Premier League by storm. Dowman won a penalty against Leeds United that day, but his contribution to both goals against Everton showed his already-existing ability to make an impact at the highest level.The Arsenal youngster may well have scored his first goal far earlier in the season, had he not been ruled out for almost three months with an ankle injury. ⚽ Arsenal Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert verdicts and previews, and tactical analysis for every Gunners fixture.
VISIT THE ARSENAL MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Micah Richards dismisses Max Dowman World Cup talkDowman was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, with the German explaining that he does not want to intensify the pressure.It is easy to forget just how young the talent is, with Arsenal sure to prioritise his development as a teenager, as well as a footballer.Max Dowmanvs EvertonMinutes played16Goals1Accurate passes12/13Chances created2Successful dribbles2/4Recoveries4Was fouled2But the fact that the conversation is taking place at all speaks to how highly rated the 16-year-old is, with huge excitement building around his potential.Some comparisons have been made to the example set by Theo Walcott. Arsenal had signed the youngster from Southampton in January 2006, in a deal worth up to £12million after he had scored four Championship goals.Before even making his debut for the Gunners, the 17-year-old was, incredibly, called up for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s World Cup.
When he was young, and he’d not even played in the Premier League?“He was at Southampton in the Championship, I believe. However, no.”Theo Walcott has urged Dowman to stay at homeWhile playing for a club of the magnitude of Arsenal, and making key contributions in the Premier League title race, it must already be extremely difficult for Dowman to comprehend the attention he is receiving.