Walcott Challenges Dowman to Spurn England Invite

Theo Walcott has expressed his thoughts on the potential inclusion of 16-year-old Arsenal midfielder Max Dowman in England’s World Cup squad this summer. Despite being considered one of the most promising young talents in English football, Dowman has not been called up by manager Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming tournament.

Dowman made history in March as the youngest-ever goalscorer in the Premier League, scoring a stunning solo goal in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton. His performance has drawn comparisons to legendary players, with former Chelsea and England captain John Terry likening him to Lionel Messi. Tuchel has also acknowledged Dowman’s talent, stating that he is “a fantastic talent and an outstanding talent” and that he is “in a fantastic environment.”

However, Tuchel has not ruled out the possibility of including Dowman in the World Cup squad. England must submit a preliminary list of players by Monday, with the final 26-man squad to be announced on Friday, May 22.

“I think he is at the moment competing and obviously a fantastic talent and an outstanding talent and at his age there cannot be a doubt about it,” Tuchel said in March. “Everyone who tells me about Max praises him and is full of compliments about him. The reality at the moment is also that he competes for minutes, he is not a regular starter for Arsenal.”

Walcott, who was called up by Sven-Goran Eriksson for the 2006 World Cup at the age of 17, believes that Dowman should not rush into the senior team. He advises the young midfielder to take his time and grow at his own pace, especially emotionally.

“I hope he doesn’t go,” Walcott said in an interview with The Mirror. “I don’t mean it in a horrible way because if I could go back in time, I would change things. I would say to myself, ‘no, no, don’t do it,’ but then try telling that to a 17-year-old.”

Walcott pointed out that while he had to grow up quickly, Dowman is playing in the Premier League and needs to develop in his own way. “He needs to grow at his own pace, especially on the emotional side because he’s a young adult,” he added.

He also highlighted that England already has several talented wide players who are performing well, including Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, and Harvey Barnes. “There are better players who arguably deserve to be there ahead of him,” Walcott said.

Should England Take Dowman to the World Cup?

Yes – he’s good enough already
No – it’s too soon for him

Walcott emphasized that Arsenal is doing the right thing by protecting Dowman. “I had to get thrown in to talk to you lot [the media],” he said. “He will eventually get there but England have wide players doing really well.”

The debate around Dowman’s inclusion in the World Cup squad continues, with many fans and experts weighing in on whether he is ready for the biggest stage.