Max Dowman might find things have come a touch too early to make the World Cup squad with England but Bryan Robson has made a case for taking the teenager.
Despite only playing around an hour of Premier League football, some are calling on Dowman to at least get a chance to impress in a squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Of course, Dowman is likely to miss out but speaking about the Arsenal youngster, former England skipper Bryan Robson believes he’s too good to simply ignore.
Which England player are YOU taking out of the squad to find room for Max Dowman this summer?
Bryan Robson says why Max Dowman can play for England at the World Cup
A lot of the conversation at the moment might well be the media and fans overhyping Dowman but there is no doubt he has the talent to succeed.
Indeed, Robson – who captained England in two World Cups in 1986 and 1990 – believes Dowman could be a difference maker.
“Yeah, he’s got great quality, good pace,” Robson told Football.London.
“Usually, I would say he’s a bit too young with no experience to go to a World Cup, but I think sometimes, if you’re good enough and you’ve proven yourself in the Premier League in a few games, he might be a great one to throw into the squad because he probably doesn’t fear anything.
“When you’re a bit more experienced, you can sometimes be a little bit wary of what game you’re going into, whereas a 16-year-old will just go in there and enjoy himself. So, it is an option which you’ve really got to think hard about.”
Why Max Dowman won’t be going to the World Cup in 2026
For all his talent and how good he has been for Arsenal when he has played, this tournament will come too early for Max Dowman.
Sure, another manager might have been tempted to throw him in, or if Dowman had had his big moment earlier in the season, he might have made a squad already.
However, Thomas Tuchel is having no problem leaving players out for what he feels is the betterment of the squad and that means Dowman’s time has come too early.
Had he been included in the recent squad for the friendlies with Uruguay and Japan, we might be looking at a different situation.
But for now, Dowman will miss out and long-term, it might end up being a good thing.
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