Carsley: Arsenal's Dowman to develop with England U21s before senior shot
The short version
- Lee Carsley says Max Dowman's progression will go through the England U21s rather than a direct senior call-up.
- Dowman, 16, became the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer last season and is set to feature for the England U19s on Friday.
- Carsley said Thomas Tuchel discusses Dowman regularly during squad selection talks.
- Dowman has until March 30 to beat Theo Walcott's England debut record of 17 years and 75 days.
England U21 boss Lee Carsley says Max Dowman's path to the senior squad will run through the Under-21s as staff manage the 16-year-old's development.
Arsenal's Max Dowman will not be fast-tracked into the senior England squad, with Under-21 manager Lee Carsley saying the Under-21s are the teenager's next step on the international pathway.
The 16-year-old, who became the Premier League's youngest-ever goalscorer last season, has been on senior coach Thomas Tuchel's radar since before the World Cup. He is set to play for the England U19s on Friday.
Speaking to The Mirror, Carsley said it is important players develop at their own pace and that Dowman's move to the U21s is a matter of timing. He added that staff want players to feature for the senior side for a prolonged period, and pointed to a similar situation with Ethan Nwaneri a few years ago.
Carsley, who has won back-to-back European Championships with the Young Lions, said he and Tuchel speak regularly about squad selection and that Dowman is always part of the conversation because of his ability.
Dowman could still become England's youngest-ever senior debutant. He has until March 30 to break Theo Walcott's record of 17 years and 75 days, set in 2006.
