MAX DOWMAN became the youngest-ever England Under-21 player as he made his debut aged just 16.
The teenager’s second-half introduction elicited the loudest cheer of the night at Ashton Gate as Lee Carsley’s side were sunk 1-0 by .
Dowman’s cameo – hailed as “outstanding” by Carsley – means he has broken the previous record held by by almost FOUR MONTHS.
The prospect was unable to help turn the tide in England’s favour after being introduced at the hour mark, but still impressed with some classy touches.
boss Carsley had stressed pre-match that this fixture was a chance to test his side of youngsters against a top side ahead of next summer’s U21 Euros.
It was certainly a test for the Young Lions, facing a Portugal team littered with top-flight players from the Portuguese Primeira, and further afield.
Divin Mubama tried his luck early on, attempting to lob Portugal goalkeeper Joao Carvalho from 30 yards out after intercepting a wayward pass from Goncalo Oliveira.
But the Southampton loanee misjudged his distance effort and watched it sail well wide of the upright.
And Portugal took advantage before the half-hour mark when ace Alfonso Moreira wriggled into the box and flashed a venomous effort at Tommy Setford, which the Arsenal prospect effectively turned into his own net in a moment he will want to quickly forget.
It was always going to be an uphill battle from there for England, with Portugal boasting an incredible defence that conceded just TWO GOALS during their 10 European qualification games.
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Carsley’s team saw just how hard it was to penetrate that brick wall as they failed to land a single shot on target until the 75th minute.
That came through Tottenham ace , currently on loan at Koln, who stung the gloves of Carvalho from a run in behind, but was unable to find a late equaliser on his U21s debut.
Speaking after the match, Carsley said of Dowman: “We’ve only got three games left before the Euros [next summer].
“So it’s important that he puts himself in the shop window to be on the plane.
“It’s important that he keeps playing well, getting minutes, showing a really good attitude, like he has done.
“I thought he was outstanding when he came on tonight. I thought all of the subs made a real impact.
“I thought Max was unlucky not to get an assist, he made a great pass to Mikey Moore.
”He took up some really good positions, both in the 10 and out wide, he’s got a big future ahead.”
Speaking about Dowman’s debut, Everton ace Harrison Armstrong said: “It was a big moment for him. He takes it in the stride really well.
“You’ve seen that with how he’s doing at Arsenal. I played with Max in other England age groups and he’s a really nice kid and he just gets his hat down and works really hard.”
Armstrong added: “He’s a fantastic player. I think it’s just a matter of him trying to find consistent gametime and getting managed in certain ways, but he’s on a really good trajectory at the minute.”
