England U21s Coach Lee Carsley Explains Why Rising Star Max Dowman Won't Make the Jump from U19s Just Yet

ENGLAND are in no rush with Max Dowman.

The sensation only turned 16 in December but there have already been calls for him to gatecrash ’s World Cup squad.

England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley has called for patience over Max DowmanCredit: Getty

Yet has not even made the Under-21 selection this month – instead being called up for the Under-19s crucial Euros qualifying triple header.

Young Lions boss explained: “Max is the player on everyone’s lips at the moment.

“It’s important that we make sure that we don’t rush it just because he’s getting so much attention.

“He’s going to play for the 21s at some point if he keeps on the trajectory he’s on, he’ll be fitting into the senior team, and, hopefully, part of a successful senior team.”

Dowman became the , aged just 16 years and 73 days, with his unforgettable solo goal against earlier this month.

The schoolboy has already made three Prem appearances off the bench and started in both the and the for the Gunners.

But he has been kept with a talented Under-19s squad that face Bulgaria, and over the next week.

Carsley, who had a brief caretaker spell bossing England’s seniors before Tuchel, is very excited about Dowman’s potential but added: “We speak a lot about all of the players, not just Max.

“The 19s have got three game qualifiers which potentially gets them into the Euros and that hopefully qualifies them for a 20s World Cup.

“So we’re looking at a pathway as well as an individual. We think it would be good for Max to get some game-time with the 19s.

Carsley says there is no need to rush Dowman’s progress despite his impact at ArsenalCredit: PA

“There’s enough time for him to get in the 21s. We’ve tried not to push players through too quickly.

“In Max’s position, where he could play for us, we’ve got , , Josh King, so we’re quite lucky in that respect. as well has played as a 10.

“We try to make sure that when they do come up they stay up, they don’t go back down.”

One Arsenal player Carsley will be working with over the next week is .

The 19-year-old has six senior caps and is well-liked by Tuchel, but has struggled for game-time under this term.

As a result, he has been drafted into the Under-21s squad for the first time – and Carsley has been impressed with the youngster’s attitude.

Asked if he had sensed any frustration from Lewis-Skelly after his campaign, the 52-year-old replied: “No, not at all.

“He seems very motivated. He’s trained well for the last two days.

“The chance for him to get some minutes (will) put him in a stronger position going back to Arsenal.

“Playing international football is something he’s not done in terms of Under-21s.

“I noticed how enthusiastic he is. That’s always in the back of your mind, when you go from the seniors back to the 21s, that the motivation may not be there.

Carsley claimed Dowman was ‘the name on everyone’s lips’ after scoring for Arsenal vs EvertonCredit: Reuters

“But we’ve never had that from any player since I’ve been doing the 21s, so that’s a real positive.

“He’s been really good around the group, showing his qualities. I’m looking forward to seeing him play on Friday.”

Lewis-Skelly and Dowman’s team-mate is back in the senior squad for the first time since his abrupt exit from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Carsley never selected the full-back during his six games in interim charge during the Autumn of 2024.

Explaining why not, the Solihull chief said: “I was of the understanding that he wasn’t under consideration. So I didn’t go down that route.

“I think that anyone that gets an opportunity to play for has got to be doing well at their club. I wish him well.”

Carsley has recently lost his No2 Ashley Cole, after the former Arsenal superstar took his first managerial job with Italian Serie B side Cesena.

Cole has been replaced by Paul Williams, 54, who played with Carsley at Coventry and Derby and has also worked with him previously in various coaching posts.

Speaking about Cole, Carsley added: “He’s really committed to being a manager and a head coach. He’s desperate to have his own team and to really have a go at doing it.

“I’ve probably seen a little bit of frustration at times from him, not getting the opportunities that he probably can see other people getting.

“So it’s brilliant that he’s got the chance to manage. I speak to him most days, and he’s so excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity.”