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England Under-21s head coach Lee Carsley believes Max Dowman is set for a major international career but stresses that England will not fast-track the 16-year-old, despite the midfielder becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton at Emirates Stadium.

Dowman struck Arsenal’s second goal against Everton, aged 16 years and 73 days, setting a new Premier League landmark and drawing global attention. The midfielder has featured seven times in all competitions for Premier League leaders Arsenal this season, although only two of those outings have been starts and his total club minutes stand at just 236.

Despite that rise, Carsley has decided Dowman will step in with England’s Under-19s, rather than join the Under-21s squad. England senior manager Gareth Southgate also left Dowman out of a 35-player provisional group but indicated that a late World Cup call remains possible, keeping long-term pathways open at different age levels.

Carsley explained that staff across England’s set-up track Dowman closely and are cautious about his next steps. “We speak a lot about all of the players, the former England interim boss said. I think it’s important that we get the challenge point right. I think Max is going to have a fantastic future at international level. It’s important that we don’t rush that. One thing he has got is time on his hands. He will play for the 19s, a really important part, hopefully they qualify for a Euros and potentially play in a 20s World Cup.”

Carsley highlighted that Dowman’s international calendar could feature several major youth tournaments, including a potential Under-19 European Championship and Under-20 World Cup, which England see as ideal tests. This window is viewed as a chance for Dowman to collect steady minutes with the Under-19s, complementing Arsenal’s careful handling of the teenager.

Dowman’s club season so far can be summarised as follows.

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Carsley underlined how long England have monitored Dowman. “All of the players are on our radar. I think Max has been on our radar for maybe six, seven, eight months. I’ve seen him play a lot in the Under-17s, as I have a lot of the other players. A highly talented player, hes definitely going to get his chance at some points. Like I say, we have to just get that timing right and the balance right. It will be good for him this window to go and get some minutes and play some game time.”

Dowman’s record-breaking goal attracted statistical confirmation of his age and status.

Arsenal’s management of Dowman, combined with England’s decision to place the midfielder with the Under-19s rather than the Under-21s or senior squad, shows a shared plan to protect a young record-breaker while allowing steady progress, with Carsley and Southgate both keeping longer-term international opportunities open.

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