Max Dowman is set to make history following his first ever call-up to the England Under-21 squad.
The 16-year-old could become the youngest ever player to represent the U21s if he is afforded any game time during the upcoming international break.
And that would see him eclipse Jude Bellingham’s record as the youngest player to ever play for the U21s.
Young Lions boss Lee Carsley included the Arsenal midfielder in his 23-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Portugal and France.
And now Bellingham’s record is firmly in Dowman’s sights.
The Real Madrid ace became England U21s’ youngest ever player when he featured in a match against Kosovo in 2020 at the age of just 17 years, two months and six days.
Should Dowman gain his first cap for the U21s later this month, then he will have beaten Bellingham’s record by almost four months.
Dowman is no stranger to the international scene having already represented England at multiple levels.
He is joined in England’s U21s squad by Arsenal team-mates Tommy Setford and Ethan Nwaneri while former Arsenal academy stars Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Amario Cozier-Duberry were also named in the 23.
Reacting to the news of Dowman’s inclusion, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed his delight for the teenager star.
“It’s great news,” Arteta told reporters. “I think he’s very excited about that and now he has another contribution to do with the national team.
“Unfortunately, he cannot play for us in the next few games, but he will have the chance to play with the national team, which is great.”
Dowman is currently suspended from domestic duties following his red card in the recent Carabao Cup defeat at League Two Fleetwood.
He was given his marching orders after reacting to a robust challenge from Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal five minutes before the end of the match.
What records has Dowman already achieved?
It was the first blemish on what has been a rollercoaster 12 months for Dowman.
In February, he became the Premier League’s all-time youngest goalscorer when he netted a late goal against Everton.
Three months later, Dowman lifted the Premier League title with the Gunners to become the youngest ever player to claim a title winning medal.
He also became the youngest player to play in the Champions League when he featured in a match against Slavia Prague last season.
