Max Dowman in line for shock England call-up as Tuchel weighs up Arsenal star

Thomas Tuchel is considering handing Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman an early opportunity with England's senior squad as a series of withdrawals threatens to disrupt his preparations for the Nations League.

The 16-year-old is among the names being considered for a potential call-up to the senior training camp at St George's Park, with Tuchel assessing his options ahead of four international fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia.

Dowman is already with England's Under-19 squad, meaning he could join the senior players without having to travel far.

The opportunity has emerged following the withdrawals of Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento, all of whom have been ruled out of the upcoming international window because of fitness concerns.

Why Max Dowman could be handed an England opportunity

Tuchel is exploring the possibility of inviting Dowman to train alongside Harry Kane and the rest of England's senior players during the international break. No formal senior call-up has been announced.

The Arsenal youngster is due to represent England's Under-19s against the Republic of Ireland on Friday, September 25, but could be given the chance to impress Tuchel at close quarters before the senior squad's opening Nations League fixture.

Such an opportunity would represent another milestone in Dowman's rapid rise through the ranks at Arsenal, where he has already established himself as one of English football's most exciting young prospects.

The teenager made Premier League history in March when he scored against Everton at the Emirates Stadium, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the competition's history at just 16 years and 73 days old.

Dowman has continued to make an impression this season, scoring twice in Arsenal's 4-2 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town earlier this month.

Although he missed out on England's squad for the 2026 World Cup, his continued development at club level has strengthened the case for his involvement in Tuchel's long-term plans.

A senior training opportunity would allow the England manager to assess Dowman's ability alongside established internationals without necessarily committing to handing him his first senior appearance.

England squad hit by five withdrawals

Tuchel's preparations have been complicated by the loss of several prominent players, including Arsenal midfielder Rice and Chelsea attacking midfielder Palmer.

Rice has withdrawn amid concerns over his fitness and workload, while Palmer is dealing with a minor injury after returning to the England squad following his omission from the World Cup.

Manchester United duo Rashford and Mainoo have also pulled out because of injury issues, with Newcastle defender Livramento completing the list of five withdrawals.

The Football Association confirmed on Monday that Everton midfielder James Garner and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White have been drafted into the squad as replacements.

Their arrivals provide Tuchel with additional options, although Dowman's potential involvement would offer the German coach an opportunity to assess another emerging talent ahead of Euro 2028.

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha was included in the original senior squad announced on September 18, highlighting the opportunities available to England's younger players.

When does England play next?

England begin their 2026-27 Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, September 26.

Tuchel's side then travel to Prague to face Czechia on September 29 before meeting Croatia in Rijeka on October 3. They conclude the international window with a return fixture against Czechia at Wembley on October 6.

Whether Dowman will join the senior squad remains to be seen, but the next two weeks could provide the Arsenal teenager with his first opportunity to experience life under Tuchel as England prepare for a new international campaign.