Ex-Arsenal star urges promising youngster to reject World Cup call-up

Credit: Getty Images

Max Dowman has been tipped for a place in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, but former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes the teenage talent should reject any potential call-up.

Walcott, who experienced a similar situation two decades ago when selected for England’s 2006 World Cup squad as a 17-year-old, has urged caution based on his own experience of that tournament.

The former Gunner was taken to Germany as one of the most promising young talents in English football but failed to feature in any matches during the competition. Looking back, many have questioned whether a more experienced player could have contributed more effectively to England’s campaign.

Learning from past mistakes

Drawing parallels with his own experience, Walcott has advised against rushing Dowman into the international spotlight at such a crucial stage of his development.

“I hope he doesn’t go. I don’t mean it in a horrible way because if I could go back in time, I would change things. I would say to myself, ‘no, no, don’t do it’, but then try telling that to a 17-year-old,” Walcott told The Mirror.

The 37-year-old acknowledged the differences between his situation and Dowman’s current circumstances, noting that the Arsenal youngster is already featuring in Premier League matches. However, he emphasized the importance of allowing natural progression.

“I do still see him and me differently as he’s playing in the Premier League but he needs to grow at his own pace, especially on the emotional side, because he’s a young adult,” Walcott explained.

The pressure of early exposure

Walcott reflected on how his early international exposure forced him to mature rapidly, particularly in dealing with media attention and public scrutiny. He contrasted this with Dowman’s current situation at Arsenal, where the club appears to be carefully managing his development.

“I had to grow up very fast but this team is still young and not as experienced. He’s being protected, which is important, whereas I had to get thrown in to talk to you lot the media,” he said.

While acknowledging that Dowman will eventually earn his place with England, Walcott believes the timing isn’t right for the 2026 World Cup.

“In time he will go, yes, but I don’t think this is the time and I think there are better players who arguably deserve to be there ahead of him.”

Dowman has yet to fully establish himself within Arsenal’s first team, and there remains a strong argument that his development would benefit more from continued progression at club level rather than the intense scrutiny that comes with a World Cup appearance. The teenager’s long-term success may be better served by allowing him to develop naturally without the heightened expectations of international tournaments at this early stage of his career.