Arsenal supporters have been left scratching their heads after the Football Association announced the latest England squads without including teenage sensation Max Dowman.
According to Football London on Friday, September 18, 2026, Dowman was not selected for either Thomas Tuchel’s senior England squad or Lee Carsley’s Under-21 team for the upcoming international fixtures.
The decision to leave him out of the senior squad may not come as a huge surprise considering Dowman is only 16 and has very limited experience at the highest level. However, many Arsenal fans expected the youngster to at least receive a call-up to the Under-21s so he could gain valuable international experience.
Dowman has recently started making an impression with Arsenal at senior level. His appearance in the Carabao Cup was his first senior outing of the current campaign, while his performances in other opportunities have continued to attract plenty of attention.
Despite that progress, there was no place for him in Carsley’s England Under-21 squad either.
Arsenal youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Tommy Setford were both selected, although the pair are currently away from the club on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Stevenage respectively.
Dowman’s omission from both squads has understandably generated plenty of discussion among Arsenal supporters. Some questioned why he had not been considered for either team, while others admitted they found the decision difficult to understand given the teenager’s recent performances.
The FA could simply feel that Dowman is still too young for international football at this level. At just 16, there may also be a desire to avoid rushing his development despite the fact that he has already made a significant impact with Arsenal.
The teenager has already made history by becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and now has three senior goals to his name.
Rather than focusing on the disappointment of missing out on England selection, Dowman will now have the chance to continue developing with Arsenal and take advantage of any opportunities that come his way during the season.
There was still plenty for Arsenal fans to celebrate, with Nwaneri and Setford both earning recognition after making positive starts to their respective loan spells.
Several other players with Arsenal connections were also called up. Amario Cozier-Duberry, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Brighton, received a selection, alongside Will Lankshear and Sydie Peck.
Dowman was not the only young Arsenal player to miss out, either. Marli Salmon was also absent despite impressing during his second senior start for Arsenal against Ipswich.
For now, Dowman’s focus will remain on his club career. At only 16, he has already made a remarkable start to senior football, and if he continues progressing at his current rate, another opportunity to represent England is unlikely to be far away.
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