Arsenal teenager Max Dowman, 16, set to join England senior squad after mass withdrawals

Dowman poised for dramatic senior England call-up

Arsenal starlet Max Dowman is in line to link up with the England senior squad after mass withdrawals left the Three Lions short of numbers, according to The Sun, as reported in Sky Sports' Paper Talk round-up of Tuesday's newspapers.

The 16-year-old, who has emerged as one of Arsenal's most exciting young prospects, is reportedly set to be promoted into the senior setup — a striking show of faith in a player still in his mid-teens, and one that would hand England's coaches a first close-up look at the teenager training alongside the country's established internationals.

"Arsenal star Max Dowman, 16, in line to link up with England squad after mass withdrawals" — The Sun

The wave of withdrawals from the squad has opened up space in the group, and England's staff appear ready to use the opportunity to bring in a talent from the youth ranks rather than simply run with a reduced pool of players.

A senior call-up at 16 would represent a remarkable milestone in Dowman's rapid rise, and it is little surprise the story was flagged as the top football item of the day. The reports did not specify which players have withdrawn from the squad or how long Dowman would remain with the group, with further details expected to emerge once the squad convenes.

For Arsenal, the development is the latest sign of just how quickly Dowman's stock has risen, with the teenager now seemingly on the radar of the national setup at senior level while many of his peers are still progressing through age-group football.