Max Dowman against Spain U19
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal’s 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman endured a bruising evening in England Under-19s’ 3-3 draw with Spain U19s at the Pinatar Arena, as he was fouled an astonishing 10 times in the first half alone.
Dowman, making history as the youngest-ever starter for England’s U19 side, was relentlessly targeted by the Spanish defence, raising serious concerns about his protection. Despite the rough treatment, he showcased his quality by winning a second-half penalty, converted by Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka to rescue a point for the Young Lions.
England U19s coach Will Antwi praised the Arsenal starlet’s maturity after the match. “His age is his age, but his football ability is his football ability,” Antwi told The Athletic. “He has the skill to cause opponents problems.”
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Much of the punishment came from Spain’s left-back Davinchi, a Getafe defender with La Liga experience, who repeatedly resorted to fouls to stop Dowman’s driving runs. By the 36th minute, Dowman required treatment for his ankle after the seventh foul, but the referee failed to take meaningful disciplinary action.
Fans and pundits expressed outrage, with one Arsenal supporter writing on X: “That’s shameful refereeing. The left-back should’ve been sent off in the first half.”
🏴Dowman (15) vs Spain U19 🇪🇸
One day Spain’s LB Davinchi will be honered to have shared the pitch with Dowman. Today he was determined not to be embarrasses by a 15y old. He failed. Worst referee performance ever 🤯pic.twitter.com/9xjsxUNvhl
— 🇳🇴 kimmoFC (@kimmoFC) September 6, 2025
The pattern of fouls sparked frustration from Antwi, who said: “In a different game, the referee gives a few more cautions. Today there were eight fouls on him before anyone got a yellow card, and that’s not right.” The situation even led to post-match tension between players, though Dowman continued to shine, earning applause for a cheeky nutmeg on Davinchi in the first half.
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Supporters also raised concerns about the teenager’s long-term safety. “I pray his career is not ended before it started with the way he is being kicked. He’s got to be protected,” one Arsenal fan wrote. Dowman’s dazzling rise has already drawn comparisons to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, with his ability to win penalties and unsettle defenders marking him as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.
Arsenal have taken extra measures to safeguard the youngster, including dedicated security staff at matches and separate changing arrangements due to FA rules. Dowman could make his senior Arsenal debut later this month in the EFL Cup against Port Vale, but both club and country are urging referees to better protect him.
England will return to action on September 9 against the Netherlands, where Dowman is once again expected to be at the heart of their attacking play.
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