England Legend Tips Arsenal Wonderkid for World Cup Squad

Former England defender Joleon Lescott has backed Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman to earn his first international cap and become a standout player for the national side, though he believes Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha could beat him to a debut.

The 16-year-old Dowman has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Emirates Stadium despite injury setbacks, recently becoming the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for the Gunners in their victory over Mansfield Town where he earned Man of the Match honors.

World Cup Discussion Already Underway

Speaking to All Out Football, Lescott suggested both Premier League wonderkids are genuine contenders for England recognition after Mirror Sport’s Andy Dunn hinted at Dowman’s potential inclusion in the World Cup 2026 squad.

“Going back to Max, he’s definitely going to play for England,” Lescott said. “And we were speaking about, he has got a chance, he’s got a chance of being a world-class talent, 100 per cent. But I don’t know who he’s ahead of to not go [to the World Cup].”

However, the former Manchester City defender gave the edge to Liverpool’s Ngumoha for reaching the senior England setup first, praising the 17-year-old’s decision-making after watching him impress in the Reds’ 3-1 FA Cup victory against Wolves.

“The end product probably doesn’t look as clean as Max, but the decisions, what he [Ngumoha] was trying to do was more consistent,” Lescott explained.

Dowman’s Rapid Rise

It’s remarkable that Dowman is already being discussed as a potential World Cup squad member with just six senior appearances for Arsenal. That tally could have been significantly higher had injuries not sidelined him for extended periods this campaign.

The north London teenager has consistently delivered moments of brilliance in his limited first-team minutes under Mikel Arteta, cementing his status as one of England’s most promising talents.

Ngumoha has had more opportunities under Arne Slot, netting one goal in 19 senior appearances for Liverpool. Born nearly 18 months before Dowman, the Liverpool winger appears further along in his development trajectory.

Competitive England Picture

Thomas Tuchel faces an abundance of wide options for the World Cup squad. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers seem certain selections, while Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke have all impressed under the German manager.

With such depth available, breaking through before the summer tournament appears challenging for both youngsters. However, both look destined for future England recognition beyond World Cup 2026.

Theo Walcott remains England’s youngest debutant at 17 years and 75 days, a record Dowman could still surpass. For now, Arteta’s focus remains on how his starlet can contribute to Arsenal’s pursuit of silverware across four competitions this season.