Dowman handed first England U21 call up despite recent red cards
Max Dowman has been named in England's Under-21 squad for the first time, earning a call up from head coach Lee Carsley despite two recent red cards in the space of a few weeks.
The 16 year old was included in Carsley's 23 man Young Lions group on Friday for upcoming friendlies against Portugal and France, as reported by the Evening Standard. It marks the first time Dowman has stepped up to U21 level internationally, having already represented England at U16, U17 and U19 level.
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The milestone comes shortly after a turbulent spell for the teenager. Dowman was sent off playing for the U19s in a behind closed doors friendly against the United States last month, before picking up a second red card while on the books for Arsenal's first team during their Carabao Cup last 16 defeat to fourth tier Fleetwood. He was dismissed late on for retaliating following a heavy challenge, and the club's appeal against the resulting ban was rejected by the FA.
Arteta's response
That second sending off drew a furious reaction from Mikel Arteta, who had reportedly spoken to Dowman before the Fleetwood match about not reacting to rough treatment, and had some choice words for the youngster as he left the pitch. Arteta later doubled down on his stance, insisting “we are not in Disneyland” and warning that Dowman must meet the same standards as the rest of the first team squad.
Despite the disciplinary issues, Dowman's call up suggests Carsley and the FA still view him as one of the country's most promising young talents, with the England age groups clearly unwilling to let the red cards overshadow his broader development.
Arsenal contingent and other selections
Dowman is joined in the U21 squad by Arsenal team mates Tommy Setford and Ethan Nwaneri, who are currently out on loan at Stevenage and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Former Gunners youngsters Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Amario Cozier-Duberry also feature.
Other notable inclusions are Liverpool midfielder Trey Nyoni, Tottenham's Archie Gray, Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong and Manchester City full back Rico Lewis, who was called up to the senior squad last month following an injury to club team mate Nico O'Reilly. Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has also been promoted to Thomas Tuchel's senior squad, while prolific Middlesbrough striker Will Lankshear misses out through injury.
Carsley's side qualified for the 2027 U21 European Championship last month following a goalless draw with Slovakia, with their unbeaten qualifying run only ended by a defeat to the Republic of Ireland in the final fixture. England remain the reigning back to back U21 champions of Europe after winning titles in 2023 and 2025.
Dowman will now have the chance to continue his rapid rise through the ranks on the international stage, with Arsenal likely to monitor his progress closely given the scrutiny already surrounding his conduct on the pitch this season.
