Paul Scholes has passionately argued that Arsenal's teenage sensation Max Dowman must be included in England's squad for this summer's World Cup, describing the midfielder as 'unbelievable' and possessing a unique talent unmatched by any other English player.
Dowman's Breakthrough Season
The 15-year-old became the second youngest player in Premier League history when he made his debut for Arsenal earlier this season, with only teammate Ethan Nwaneri debuting at a younger age. Despite his youth and Mikel Arteta's cautious management of his game time, Dowman has impressed so profoundly that calls for his inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's final World Cup squad, to be named on May 22, have grown louder.
Scholes' Unwavering Support
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the Manchester United legend and former England midfielder did not hold back. 'How good is Max Dowman? He's unbelievable,' Scholes said. 'Do you think he should be in the England squad for the World Cup? Look at Spain with Lamine Yamal… get him in! We've not got a player like Dowman. I think Thomas Tuchel is the type of manager who might take him. Did you see his goals for the England U20s?'
When asked which player Dowman should replace, Scholes replied: 'Anyone, I don't care. I think he's brilliant. Spain would do it and Spain are successful. I would take him all day long, I don't think there's an English player with the ability he's got. He floats past people.'
Ferdinand Echoes the Sentiment
Rio Ferdinand, Scholes' former Manchester United teammate, also believes Dowman should be on the plane to the United States. On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand stated: 'I think he has to go [to the World Cup]. I think he's special. He's doing the same thing he did through every age group in the Premier League against grown men. He's been doing the same thing in training against Arsenal players who are top of the Premier League. Even the players there are going "wow", even the manager is saying he's not seen anything like this from a player so young. It's crazy.'
Ferdinand drew parallels with Michael Owen, who burst onto the world stage at the 1998 World Cup as a teenager. 'Those talents have to go – Michael Owen went to the World Cup young and blew up the whole world. You have to give these talents the experience and even if he went there and didn't play it would be useful for him to get used to the environment and playing at a tournament. That would be hugely valuable; we've seen players do that before and benefit from it. I didn't play a minute at the 1998 World Cup but that experience really helped at the 2002 tournament.'
Ferdinand added: 'I would love to see him go – it would be so exciting for English football. I would 100% take him – look at Spain with Lamine Yamal, I'm not comparing them but they saw a special talent and took him and then he blew everyone's socks off.'
Tuchel's Selection Dilemma
England manager Thomas Tuchel has a wealth of attacking options, with players like Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Morgan Rogers competing for places. However, Scholes and Ferdinand argue that Dowman's unique ability sets him apart and warrants a spot in the squad.
Dowman's Immediate Focus
For now, Dowman is focused on helping Arsenal secure their first Premier League title since 2004. The Gunners need to win their remaining two matches against Burnley and Crystal Palace to clinch the championship. Should they succeed, Dowman would have played a role in a historic season before potentially making his mark on the world stage.
