Carsley: ´Fantastic´ Dowman must not be rushed by England

England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley expects Max Dowman to have a “fantastic future at international level” but says there is no need to rush the 16-year-old’s development.

Dowman thrust himself into the spotlight during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton, with the talented teenager scoring the Gunners’ second goal at Emirates Stadium.

And in doing so, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at just 16 years and 73 days old.

Dowman has made seven appearances in all competitions for the Premier League leaders this season, though only two of those have come from the start.

He has played just 236 minutes of football in those outings, something Tuchel alluded to when questioned about why he was not included in his bumper 35-man England squad.

Tuchel left the door open for a place in the Three Lions’ World Cup, but Carsley opted to overlook him for England’s Under-21’s squad, and Dowman will link up with the U19s.

“We speak a lot about all of the players,” the former England interim boss said. “I think it’s important that we get the challenge point right.

“I think Max is going to have a fantastic future at international level. It’s important that we don’t rush that. One thing he has got is time on his hands.

“He will play for the 19s, a really important part, hopefully they qualify for a Euros and potentially play in a 20s World Cup.”

16 – At 16 years and 73 days, Max Dowman has become the youngest scorer in Premier League history. Future. pic.twitter.com/71VkKePZkU

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2026

Carsley was full of praise for Dowman after his impact for Mikel Arteta’s side, though he acknowledged the right balance must be had with his progression.

“All of the players are on our radar. I think Max has been on our radar for maybe six, seven, eight months.

“I’ve seen him play a lot in the Under-17s, as I have a lot of the other players.

“A highly talented player, he’s definitely going to get his chance at some points.

“Like I say, we have to just get that timing right and the balance right. It will be good for him this window to go and get some minutes and play some game time.”