Max Dowman looks set for an international promotion to the England u19s, though a final decision hasn’t been made ahead of Friday’s call-ups.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Max Dowman of Arsenal claps during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on August 23, 2025. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports News reports that coaching staff at the FA are considering promoting Arsenal’s Max Dowman to the England u19s for the September internationals, following the player’s Premier League debut at the weekend.
Dorsett adds that more discussions with his family and Arsenal are being held before a final decision is made, but it will need to be finalised within hours.
Both the England u17s and the England u19s will announce their squads on Friday, August 29th, with the u19 announcement at 4pm BST and the u17 announcement at 5pm.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Max Dowman of Arsenal battles for possession with Gabriel Gudmundsson of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on August 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
The decision could have a knock-on effect at Arsenal, due to the upcoming u17 World Cup.
This year’s tournament takes place in Qatar from November 3rd to 27th, so Dowman’s involvement with the England u17s could mean missing an entire month of matches with Arsenal.
If the FA decide that’s where they want him to play, they would have to get permission from Arsenal. Given most of the tournament falls outside of the usual international windows, it’s up to the clubs to decide whether or not to release players who receive call-ups.
Max Dowman training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Photo via Arsenal.com
That will be partly why Arsenal are currently involved in talks over a promotion.
If the FA get the impression the Gunners will refuse to release Dowman in November, a promotion to the England u19s becomes the more obvious choice. The u19s also play in November, but only during the international break.
Arsenal would surely allow Dowman to play at the u17 World Cup if all parties agree that’s the best thing for him, but perhaps making Premier League cameos and playing for the England u19s would be better for his development.
It’s not a straightforward decision. The one thing that’s clear is that Dowman’s impressive performances are deservedly being recognised.
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