England and Max Dowman: Lee Carsley says no rush for playmaker

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Max Dowman made his Arsenal debut against Leeds at the start of last season

Football reporter Published 22 September 2026 England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley admits it is inevitable Max Dowman will progress into his squad but is eager not to rush the Arsenal teenager's international elevation.

The 16-year-old has been called into the England Under-19s this month as Carsley resists the temptation to select him in his squad.

Dowman scored twice in the Gunners' 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Ipswich and came off the bench in Saturday's defeat at Brighton .

But despite the spotlight on the exciting forward, Carsley is urging patience over his international future.

"He's definitely an outstanding talent. It's inevitable that he's going to be with the Under-21s because of his talent," said Carsley, who guided the Under-21s to glory in Euro 2023 and Euro 2025.