Max Dowman has received backing to make an impact for England, though a fellow Premier League player might get his debut first. Joleon Lescott, the former England defender, has voiced his support for Max Dowman to earn his first cap and become a standout player for the national side. Lescott believes Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha could be the first to make his debut.
Dowman’s Rise and FA Cup Highlight
Both Dowman and Ngumoha have had standout seasons with their respective Premier League clubs this term. At just 16 years old, Dowman has received high praise. He was also crowned Man of the Match in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield.
Dowman’s performance at Mansfield saw him become the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for the Gunners. The winger has consistently delivered moments of brilliance in his limited first-team minutes.
It’s worth noting that Dowman is already being discussed as a potential World Cup squad member despite having only six senior appearances for Arsenal. His tally could have been higher had he not been sidelined with injuries for much of the current campaign.
Ngumoha’s Liverpool Impact
Seventeen-year-old Ngumoha made a notable impact in Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup triumph against Wolves. Lescott suggested the Reds youngster is very much in contention to make a splash for England after Andy Dunn hinted at Dowman’s potential inclusion in the World Cup 2026 squad.
“Yeah, I watched him, I did the game on the weekend [at Molineux], and I agree,” said Lescott. “The end product probably doesn’t look as clean as Max, but the decisions, what he [Ngumoha] was trying to do was more consistent.
Ngumoha has had more opportunities to shine and has netted one goal in 19 senior appearances for Liverpool. Given that he was born nearly 18 months before Dowman, it stands to reason that he might be further along in his development.
Lescott’s Analysis of the Young Talents
Lescott highlighted the importance of decision-making. “So I think that, again, we spoke about the importance of decision-making to outcomes and people just see a cross or a shot. I’m like, ‘That’s unlucky’. I’m like, ‘Should he have shot, though, or should he have dribbled or should he have passed? Was it the right decision to make rather than the right outcome that come of it?’
Lescott also commented on Dowman’s future: “Going back to Max, he’s definitely going to play for England. And we were speaking about, he has got a chance, he’s got a chance of being a world-class talent, 100 per cent. But I don’t know who he’s ahead of to not go [to the World Cup].”
Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel is certainly not lacking in wide options as he assembles his World Cup squad for the summer. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers seem certain to make the cut, while Jarrod B