Max Dowman poised to beat Jude Bellingham record after latest international call-up

Arsenal's 16-year-old midfielder Max Dowman has been called up to England U21s and could become the youngest player ever to represent the side, breaking Jude Bellingham's record.

Max Dowman has been included in Lee Carsley's England U21s squad for upcoming friendlies against Portugal and France. The 16-year-old Arsenal midfielder could become the youngest player ever to represent England's U21s if he receives any game time during the international break, eclipsing Jude Bellingham's record. Bellingham became the previous record holder when he played for the U21s against Kosovo in 2020 at 17 years, two months and six days old. Should Dowman earn his first U21s cap later this month, he will beat that record by almost four months.

Downman is currently suspended from Arsenal's domestic fixtures following a red card in the Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Fleetwood. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at the teenager's inclusion, saying: "It's great news. I think he's very excited about that and now he has another contribution to do with the national team." Dowman has already achieved several milestones this season, including becoming the Premier League's youngest ever goalscorer in February and the youngest player to win a Premier League title medal.