England Call for Chelmsford-Born Arsenal Star Max Dowman After Ipswich Heroics

Chelmsford-born Arsenal sensation Max Dowman should already be in the senior England squad, according to former Three Lions striker Jay Bothroyd.

The remarkable rise of the 16-year-old has continued after he scored twice as Arsenal defeated Ipswich Town 4-2 in the Carabao Cup this week.

Dowman's latest performance has inevitably prompted more discussion about just how quickly the teenager could progress – and whether a senior England call-up might arrive sooner than expected.

Former England international Jay Bothroyd believes Dowman is already good enough to be considered.

Speaking on Sky Sports following the announcement of Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad, Bothroyd said:

“Max Dowman should be in that squad for me. There's no doubt about that. And I feel like he's gonna be the future of England.”

The comments provide another indication of just how rapidly the Chelmsford-born youngster's reputation is growing.

Max Dowman scores twice for Arsenal against Ipswich

Dowman was one of the standout performers as Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2 at Portman Road on Tuesday night to reach the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Making his first Arsenal appearance of the season, the teenager opened the scoring after just seven minutes.

He collected possession before driving towards the Ipswich defence and producing a composed finish.

Dowman struck again shortly after half-time to make it 3-0.

Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino scored Arsenal's other goals, with Anis Mehmeti and former Arsenal player Chuba Akpom replying for Ipswich.

Dowman's brace put him in some remarkable company.

He became only the second 16-year-old to score twice in a senior game for a Premier League club, following Wayne Rooney's two-goal performance for Everton against Wrexham in the League Cup in 2002.

Bothroyd: Dowman should be in England squad

Bothroyd went even further when discussing the Arsenal youngster.

Comparing Dowman with Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, the former England striker argued that Dowman's performances already warranted consideration for the senior national team.

Bothroyd said:

“For me, Max Dowman is better than Madueke now.”

He added that if players such as Madueke were being considered for England, selectors also needed to be looking at Dowman.

Madueke was ultimately not included in the latest squad.

Who is Max Dowman?

Born in Chelmsford in 2009, Dowman is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects to emerge from Arsenal's academy.

His progress through the club's youth system has been exceptionally rapid.

Dowman made his senior Arsenal breakthrough while still only 15 and has subsequently become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.

Despite his age, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has increasingly involved the teenager with the first team while stressing the importance of carefully managing his development.

Following the Ipswich victory, Arteta again highlighted both Dowman's talent and his ability to handle playing on a major stage.

The Arsenal manager has nevertheless repeatedly emphasised the need to develop the teenager gradually.

Arsenal teammates impressed by Chelmsford-born youngster

Dowman's performance against Ipswich also earned praise from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino.

The Spain international described his young teammate as a special talent and drew comparisons between Dowman and Barcelona and Spain star Lamine Yamal, who himself broke into senior international football at an exceptionally young age.

Such comparisons underline the level of excitement surrounding Dowman's development, although Arsenal continue to take a cautious approach to his workload.

Max Dowman left out of latest England squad

England manager Thomas Tuchel named a 27-man squad on Friday for the opening games of the new UEFA Nations League campaign.

England face world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday 26 September, before travelling to face Czechia on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October.

The international window concludes with another game against Czechia at Wembley on 6 October.

Dowman was not included.

There was never a widespread expectation that the 16-year-old would immediately be promoted into the senior England setup.

Before the squad was announced, Sky Sports reported that the more likely route would be further progression through England's development teams, with the Football Association – like Arsenal – carefully managing his minutes and development.

But Bothroyd clearly believes the teenager is ready much sooner.

Could Max Dowman play for England?

Dowman has already represented England at youth level.

The question now is how quickly he moves through the age groups if his performances for Arsenal continue attracting attention.

England's latest squad itself demonstrates that Tuchel is prepared to consider young players.

Liverpool's 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha has been selected, while Arsenal youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and established senior international Bukayo Saka are also included.

At just 16, however, Dowman would represent an extraordinary senior selection.

For now, Arsenal and England appear determined not to rush one of English football's most highly rated young players.

But if the Chelmsford-born teenager keeps producing performances like the one at Portman Road, the debate about a senior England call-up is unlikely to disappear.

And according to Jay Bothroyd, England shouldn't wait.