Arsenal youngster Max Dowman has shared his disappointment at England’s elimination from the u17 European Championships, after his goal and assist put them on the verge of progression.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: Max Dowman of England battles for the ball with Wout Gielen of Belguim during the Men's U17 international match between Belgium and England MU17 at Royal Belgian Football Centre on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Arsenal 15-year-old Max Dowman and goalkeeper Jack Porter have been away with the England u17s for the u17 European Championships over the last week or so, but an opening-day draw with Belgium and a subsequent defeat to Italy left the team on the brink of elimination.
England still had a chance, going into their final group game against the Czech Republic, but they needed a big win and a Belgium defeat to step up into the progression places at the last moment.
Dowman got things started perfectly, scoring a fantastic solo goal just five minutes into the match.
MALTA, MALTA: Max Dowman of England celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA U17 EURO Championship 2025 Qualifying Round match between England and Malta at Centenary Stadium Ta' Qali on October 24, 2024. (Photo by Tullio Puglia - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Photo by Tullio Puglia – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
The teenager picked up the ball almost standing on the opposition goalline, but he tricked his way past a defender before finishing from the tightest of angles for 1-0.
10 minutes later, Dowman turned provider, with an excellent assist that took out most of the Czech defence with a single pass for 2-0. He continued to impress throughout the first half, playing a role in the buildup to England’s third goal and having a couple of chances to score more himself.
By the time the Arsenal youth player was withdrawn with a knock in the 61st minute, England were 4-1 up and cruising. And with Italy turning around a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1 against Belgium, Dowman and Porter’s team were in line to qualify for the knockout stages.
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Max Dowman of Arsenal is tackled by Samuel Lusale of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal U18 and Manchester United U18 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images)
Photo by James Fearn/Getty Images
It all fell apart at the end, with the Czech Republic pulling back one more goal in the 89th minute for 4-2.
Though it was far too late to change the result, the goal meant England’s goal difference was no longer good enough to put them ahead of Belgium, who progressed instead.
“Disappointed but we will be back,” Dowman wrote on Instagram afterwards.
Max Dowman celebrates his goal for the Arsenal u18s (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Photo via Arsenal.com
From an Arsenal point of view, the upside is that Dowman can now begin his holidays and rest up ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
There have been reliable reports that the midfielder is set to play a part in first-team pre-season, with Mikel Arteta confirming that will “probably” be the case.
England’s exit is a personal setback for Dowman, but he did what he could to keep them alive. The extra rest could end up being the best thing for him in the long term.
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