At a Glance:
- Gary Lineker on Max Dowman’s 2026 World Cup chances in England squad.
- Lineker onboard but on one condition.
- Two starts in all competitions for Arsenal this season.
Gary Lineker had his say on whether England should name Arsenal sensation Max Dowman in their 2026 World Cup squad.
Declan Rice claimed Dowman is fearless and the type of player who feels nerveless regardless of the opposition and the stakes in question.
The 16-year-old is one of the most gifted players England have produced in years, playing first-team football for one of the two best sides in the Premier League.
Jermaine Pennant lauded Dowman as well but encouraged the youngster to “take his time” and not get bogged down by the pressures of professional football.
Gary Lineker says Max Dowman should go to the World Cup if he wins Arsenal the Premier League
In the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker brought Dowman up when asked if he would take Liverpool winger and England U-19 starlet Rio Ngumoha to the World Cup.
Lineker claimed that despite Dowman’s incredible talent, Thomas Tuchel should not name him in his Three Lions squad because he is very inexperienced at the top level.
The pundit mentioned Lamine Yamal as an example when he went to the European Championships in 2024 but stressed that the Spaniard had played plenty of football prior to the competition.
Gary Lineker initially claimed: “Spain did it with Lamine Yamal. But he played quite a lot of football before that in the first-team so it is slightly different. These boys have only really featured very occasionally.
“Also, it’s not about the pressure, I don’t think. You could, if with a big squad take them because you want to just let them feel the experience of what it’s like going down, being part of a squad in a World Cup.
“But I’m not sure that’s at this point…if they’d played loads in the Premier League and were absolutely killing it, then yes.
If Dowman starts for Arsenal and leads them to the Premier League title this season, Gary Lineker admitted he would change his stance. But Lineker was doubtful as he started just two games so far.
| Max Dowman: 2025/2026 season | |
| Competition | Starts |
| Premier League | 0 (4) |
| Champions League | 0 (3) |
| FA Cup | 2 |
| Carabao Cup | 1 (1) |
“If he comes in for the last few games of the seasons and wins the title for Arsenal and performs magically, then this conversation magically. But it’s hard to see Arteta trusting him to do that. I’d love to see him start and see how he gets on because I think he’s fearless and thrilling.”
Thomas Tuchel on Max Dowman’s World Cup chances
Famously, Theo Walcott went to the 2006 FIFA World Cup as a 17-year-old.
The late Sven-Goran Eriksson surprised the world with his decision. It seems like Thomas Tuchel could potentially end up doing the same.
Thomas Tuchel on Max Dowman:
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 20, 2026
“We always have the chance to call him for the World Cup. He needs to keep up his momentum.”
Imagine if he plays at a World Cup before getting his GCSE results 🤯 pic.twitter.com/58e1HnkisI
The German said via TNT Sports: “We always have the chance to call him for the World Cup.
“He needs to keep up his momentum.”
