Jack Wilshere: Spain would take Arsenal star Max Dowman to World Cup

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere believes 16-year-old sensation Max Dowman is already good enough to represent England at this summer’s World Cup in the United States.

The Luton Town manager, who coached Dowman in Arsenal’s academy system, made the bold claim while reflecting on the teenager’s remarkable breakthrough season. Dowman became the Premier League’s youngest-ever goalscorer with his stunning strike against Everton in March.

“Better than me at 16”

Wilshere, who earned 34 England caps during his playing career, was effusive in his praise for the Arsenal academy graduate. He recalled watching Dowman play in Under-18s matches as a 13-year-old and immediately recognizing his exceptional talent.

“I remember calling my dad and saying, ‘Dad, you need to come and watch this kid. I think he is better than me’,” Wilshere told The Telegraph. “My dad is very biased towards me. He thinks I am the best player. It actually gets to the point where I argue with him sometimes.”

When asked about Dowman’s maiden Premier League goal, Wilshere was characteristically honest: “I don’t score that goal at 16.”

Spain comparison sparks debate

The former England international drew comparisons to Spain’s approach with young talent, citing Lamine Yamal’s success at Euro 2024 as a 16-year-old. Wilshere believes England should adopt a similarly bold approach with Dowman.

“The only thing I would say is, Spain would take him. That’s what I think,” he explained. “We have this way at times in England of building them up but then protecting them. He is definitely good enough. Even if he goes and he doesn’t play that much.”

Wilshere praised Dowman’s physical attributes, noting how the teenager consistently recorded the highest sprint and high-intensity running numbers among Under-18s players despite being years younger than his teammates. “He would get kicked by people four or five years older than him,” Wilshere observed.

The 34-year-old manager also highlighted Mikel Arteta’s role in developing young players, arguing the Arsenal boss doesn’t receive enough credit for nurturing academy talents who aren’t simply “first-team ready” upon arrival.

Drawing from his own experience, Wilshere reflected on missing the 2010 World Cup at 18 after spending the previous season on loan at Bolton Wanderers. He believes better pathways now exist within the FA structure to support young players’ international progression.

Dowman’s continued development at Arsenal this season will likely determine his World Cup prospects, but with Wilshere’s endorsement carrying significant weight given his own academy background and international experience, the teenager’s case for inclusion grows stronger.