Max Dowman has captured the attention of European soccer over the past year with his sudden emergence in Arsenal’s first team at just 16 years old. With the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a> on the horizon, former England international Jack Wilshere has thrown his name into the conversation as a potential squad inclusion, which would make him one of the youngest players ever to appear at the tournament.



Still only 15 at the time, Dowman broke records as the youngest player ever to appear in the UEFA Champions League and the youngest to score in both that competition and the Premier League. While he has yet to earn his first senior <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/england/">England</a> cap, Wilshere believes the teenager is not only the future of the Three Lions, but ready for the present.



In an interview with The Telegraph, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/jack-wilshere/">Wilshere</a> made a candid case for Dowman’s inclusion: “The only thing I would say is, Spain would take him. That’s what I think. We have this way at times in England of building them up but then protecting them. You get caught in that (place): ‘If he goes what will people say?’ He is definitely good enough. Even if he goes and he doesn’t play that much. Which I think he can. I think he is good enough.”



Wilshere then drew a bold comparison with Lamine Yamal, whose contributions proved decisive in Spain’s run to the Euro 2024 title. “He is going to be there eventually. I understand people saying, ‘Maybe not’. But I also think Yamal went as a 16-year-old and he was the best player in the tournament,” he added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/05233244/max-dowman-arsenal-southampton-1920x1080.webp" alt="Samuel Edozie of Southampton is tackled by Max Dowman of Arsenal." class="wp-image-634338"><figcaption>Samuel Edozie of Southampton is tackled by Max Dowman of Arsenal.</figcaption></figure>



Wilshere, who represented England at the 2014 World Cup before retiring from the game, had a front-row seat to Dowman’s development. While serving as Arsenal’s Under-18s coach, he watched Dowman integrate into the squad at just 13 years old, recalling that even then “he was getting the highest numbers in the Under-18s for his sprints, and his high-intensity running.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/foden-risks-missing-world-cup-after-coach-tuchel-admission-englands-no-10-battle-intensifies/"></div>


<h2>Dowman still under Tuchel’s consideration</h2>



Despite having yet to earn a senior cap, head coach Thomas Tuchel has not ruled out the possibility of a surprise World Cup call-up for Dowman. After leaving the Arsenal teenager out of his March international break squad, Tuchel was pressed on a potential inclusion at the tournament and left the door firmly ajar.



“We always have the chance to call him up for the World Cup. Why wouldn’t I keep the door open? I keep the door open for anyone with any age. It’s very young and there are arguments that it’s too young but why open all these arguments now? Let him fight for his minutes. At the moment he’s not a regular starter. You could argue you should be maybe a starter at your club to be considered,” he stated in a press conference back in March.



<h2>Who is the youngest player ever to appear at the World Cup?</h2>



The World Cup brings together the best players from every competing nation, and young stars often find themselves behind more established, experienced names in the pecking order. While Brazil legend Pelé is widely associated with youthful World Cup greatness, currently holding the record as the youngest player to win the tournament, his record as the youngest to play in one has long since been surpassed.



That distinction belongs to Norman Whiteside, who made his World Cup debut for Northern Ireland at Spain 1982 at just 17 years and 41 days old. Behind him sit Samuel Eto’o, who was 17 years and 98 days old when he appeared for Cameroon at France 1998, and Nigeria’s Femi Opabunmi, who was 17 years and 101 days old at Korea-Japan 2002.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/04/05233148/norman-whiteside-northern-ireland-1920x1080.webp" alt="Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland." class="wp-image-634336"><figcaption>Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland.</figcaption></figure>



Against that backdrop, Max Dowman stands in a position to make history. Born on December 31, 2009, he is currently 16 years old, and with the 2026 World Cup less than three months away, if he earns a call-up and sees the pitch, he would become the youngest player ever to appear in a World Cup match.

Jack Wilshere suggests 16-year-old Max Dowman for England’s World Cup squad: who is the youngest ever to play?

Jack Wilshere suggests 16-year-old Max Dowman for England's World Cup squad: who is the youngest ever to play? - World Soccer Talk

main

Former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> star Jack Wilshere is reportedly set to become a first-team coach at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/norwich-city-tv-schedule/">Norwich City</a>. Following his early retirement as a player in 2022, the midfielder has managed Arsenal’s U18 team. Wilshere led the youth side to the final of the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup in his first year as a coach. The deep cup run came as the young Gunners struggled in league play.



Following the near triumph, Wilshere led the team up to third in the U18 Premier League table last season. After a shaky freshman campaign in league play, the Arsenal U18s have only lost five of their last 29 fixtures in the division. They are currently unbeaten under Wilshere to start the 2024/25 season. 



Wilshere’s positive impact on the youngsters has grabbed the attention of his former teammate and Arsenal senior manager Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard discussed Wilshere and his future during a press conference on Friday.



“He’s been great,” Arteta <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41863461/arsenal-u18-coach-jack-wilshere-set-join-norwich-source" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “Everyone knows about his career, about his character and he’s a really special personality. His attachments to the football club are unique.”



“He has this aura and charisma and a way of connecting with people. He’s been an inspiration for the kids because of his history, what he did, and the manner that he did it. What happens next is his decision.”



<h2>Wilshere has ties with the new sporting director at Norwich</h2>



According to ESPN, Wilshere will remain with the Arsenal U18s for one more match before departing for Norwich. The youth side hosts Aston Villa on Saturday morning. Norwich is also playing around the same time, as they will face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/stoke-city-tv-schedule/">Stoke</a> away from home. Assuming a deal is soon finalized, Wilshere could be on the sidelines for Norwich’s following game against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/preston-tv-schedule-follow-the-lilywhites/">Preston North End</a> on October 22nd.



Wilshere, however, will not become the head coach of his potential new team. Johannes Hoff Thorup remains in place after signing a three-year deal with the club in May. Instead, the former Arsenal star will assist the 35-year-old Thorup. Wilshere will essentially replace former Norwich assistant coach Narcis Pelach, who recently departed Norwich last month to become manager of Stoke.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/10/16031111/Wilshere-Championship-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-535821" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></div></figure>



While Wilshere has yet to officially join Norwich, he already has close ties to the team’s sporting director Ben Knapper. The executive previously worked with Wilshere during a lengthy spell with Arsenal. Knapper initially began with the Gunners as an analyst before becoming their loans manager in 2019. He then left Arsenal to join Norwich in 2023.



<h2>Canaries are trying to get back to the Premier League</h2>



The Canaries have remained in the second-tiered <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/championship-tv-schedule/">Championship</a> following relegation from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> in 2022. After a shaky 2022/23 campaign in which they finished middle of the pack, Norwich nearly earned promotion back to the top flight last season. Nevertheless, they eventually crashed out of the playoffs against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/leeds-united-tv-schedule/">Leeds</a> in the semifinal stage.



This season, Norwich finds themselves seventh in the 24-team table after nine matches. The Canaries are currently led by star Spanish winger Borja Sainz and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/usmnt-tv-schedule/">USMNT</a> striker Josh Sargent. The duo has combined to rack up 11 goals and five assists in league play.



Wilshere and Norwich will forever have links together in English soccer because of the former midfielder’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HJCaUOYz_Bg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stunning goal</a> against the Canaries in 2013.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Wilshere set to leave Arsenal to be assistant coach at Norwich

Former Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is reportedly set to become a first-team coach at Norwich City in the coming days.

Having applied for his first senior managerial position, ex-Arsenal player and current academy coach, Jack Wilshere is rumored to be leaving the Gunners. 



Persistent injuries and fitness concerns led to the conclusion of his soccer career in July 2022. Nonetheless, the 32-year-old struck up an immediate fascination with management.



Four days after disclosing his retirement, he received an immediate offer to assume leadership of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>‘s under-18s. Since then, he has showcased his proficiency by accumulating an average of almost two points per game.



It appears that Wilshere’s current aspiration is to advance to a senior-level management position. The ex-international for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> has reportedly applied for the vacant managerial position at Aberdeen, as reported by the <a href="https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jack-wilshere-aberdeen-fc-next-32036464" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Daily Record</a>.



<h2>How have Aberdeen fared this season?</h2>



In light of their recent drop to eighth place in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/scottish-premiership-tv-schedule/">Scottish Premiership</a> standings, the Dons, axed manager Barry Robson. Last season they finished third in the league but have struggled this term.



For Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Celtic, Aberdeen appointed Peter Leven as interim manager in an effort to gain more time to find a permanent manager. At the moment, their ex-head coach and his assistant Steve Agnew have been confirmed as departed.



Despite being a favorite among bookmakers, former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter.



At the moment, Lennon is devoting his attention to the position of Republic of Ireland candidate.



Scott Anderson and the first team are under the responsibility of providing guidance for the team in today’s match against Granite City. “I would love to tell you more, but I am just taking it day-by-day and game-by-game”, said Leven.



Consequently, Aberdeen are currently evaluating the former midfielder for the unoccupied managerial role. Wilshere also believes that he is the ideal individual to lead them back up the table.



However, his lack of experience at this level may hinder his chances. Nevertheless, subsequent to the recent termination of Barry Robson, the Scottish club are allegedly in search of a candidate with greater experience. Thus, veteran Neil Warnock and former Celtic manager Neil Lennon have also been linked with the position.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="667" height="466" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/16045756/image-2-667x466.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-487574" sizes="(max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px"></figure></div><figcaption>Wilshere is rumored to be applying for senior level management positions</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How has Wilshere fared this season?</h2>



Recently, Wilshere participated in an interview process for the head coaching position with the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-mls-on-us-tv-and-internet/">Major League Soccer</a>‘s Colorado Rapids. During the previous campaign, Wilshere guided the squad to the FA Youth Cup final, where they ultimately fell to West Ham.



At this time, his Arsenal under-18s sit third in the U18 Premier League standings. They have achieved seven victories in 12 games.



On Saturday, they were eliminated from the U18 Premier League Cup with a 4-2 quarterfinal loss at the hands of Manchester United. As a result, it is possible that the former Gunner will maintain his position of leadership until the conclusion of the season.



Clearly, the ex-midfielder has senior management in mind. However, his application to Aberdeen may fall short of achieving that objective.



Eventually, the Gunners will likely be making preparations to part ways with their development manager sooner rather than later. Especially given the mounting rumours that the 32-year-old is considering advancing his career.



Photo credit: IMAGO / Crystal Pix

Wilshere set to leave Arsenal with top first-team job lined up

Having applied for his first senior managerial position, ex-Arsenal player and current academy coach, Jack Wilshere has generated exit rumors.

Wilshere set to leave Arsenal with top first-team job lined up - World Soccer Talk

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is gaining interest from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/mls-tv-schedule/">Major League Soccer</a> side Colorado Rapids. <a href="https://theathletic.com/4956190/2023/10/12/jack-wilshere-arsenal-colorado-rapids-manager/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Athletic</a> reports that the retired star recently interviewed for the club’s vacant head coaching position. 



Not only did Wilshere meet with Rapids brass regarding the opening, but the club is considering hiring the former midfielder. The aforementioned news outlet claims that Wilshere performed well in the interview.



Meeting with Rapids execs was a fairly easy task for Wilshere. After all, the club shares ownership with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>. Stan Kroenke purchased a majority stake in the Rapids back in 2004. The American businessman then acquired a small percentage of the Gunners three years later. However, Kroenke increased his stake in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side to become the majority owner in 2018.



<h5>Former midfielder retired to become Arsenal U18s coach</h5>



Wilshere, of course, spent the majority of his playing career at Arsenal. Nevertheless, after a series of injuries, the former star retired from the game just last year. He, however, was not away from the game for long. Wilshere quickly transitioned to become Arsenal’s U18 head coach.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="BACK HOME | Jack Wilshere&apos;s First Season | Episode 1" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uFRN83I17x4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



Although he has only been in charge of the U18 team for just over one season, Wilshere has already made an impact. The 31-year-old coach led his youngsters to the FA Youth Cup Final back in April. While the young Gunners eventually fell to West Ham, Wilshere had a positive influence on the group.



<h5>Rapids stagnant in the MLS standings</h5>



The Rapids are currently without a permanent manager after parting ways with Robin Fraser last month. Potentially bringing Wilshere Stateside may be seen as a bold move due to the coach’s lack of experience. Nevertheless, the club is certainly in need of a different approach.



Colorado currently has just 26 MLS points with just two matches remaining on the schedule. This is currently the lowest point total of any Western Conference club. Signing a pedestrian new coach may not make a significant change at the club. Wilshere would, however, potentially bring a new level of excitement to the team.



<h5>Kroenke would be hoping for a similar impact as Arteta</h5>



On the coach’s side of things, the move would give the former star a fantastic opportunity to manage a senior squad. The aforementioned report suggests that Wilshere would be open to a switch to senior management. There would also be a level of trust due to the Arsenal connection in Colorado. 



Kroenke stuck by Gunners’ boss Mikel Arteta, despite the young coach enduring a tough start with the club in 2019 and 2020. Much like Wilshere, Arteta also did not have much coaching experience before getting the job. Nevertheless, the Spaniard is now considered one of the top young coaches in all of Europe.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Crystal Pix

Wilshere coaching Colorado Rapids would make perfect sense

Colorado Rapids execs have reportedly interviewed former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere for their head coaching vacancy.

<a href="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/news/jack-wilshere-arsenal-2010/image/9505685?term=Jack+Wilshere" target="_blank"><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" src="http://view.picapp.com/pictures.photo/image/9505685/jack-wilshere-arsenal-2010/jack-wilshere-arsenal-2010.jpg?size=500&amp;imageId=9505685" border="0" width="500" height="418" alt="Jack Wilshere Arsenal 2010/2011 Arsenal V Celtic (3-2) 01/08/10 The Emirates Cup 2010 Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom"></figure></div></a> 
victory over Birmingham was overshadowed by a clumsy challenge by Jack Wilshere that saw the young English star pick up the first red card of his professional career. While Wilshere may have the world at his feet, the red card demonstrates that the 18-year-old still has plenty learn.
It really was a mixed day for Arsene Wenger’s latest protégé. He showed plenty of the quality that seen him quickly be touted as England’s latest star, but his tackle showed an element of petulance that Wenger will now quickly look to stamp out of his game.
Wenger himself almost surprisingly had no complaints about the red card but was quick to point out that the tackle was an anomaly in Wilshere’s game. He said: “It looked to me as a red card. He didn’t want to harm the player but he caught him and it’s difficult to complain after as he touched the ankle of the player.
“Jack has acknowledged he deserved it, but he did not spend his whole game trying to kick people, he was one of the best players on the pitch.”
Wilshere’s ability is undoubted but from what I have seen of the youngster there has always been potential for a wreckless lunge. His temper seems easily frayed and it is something that Wenger must work on to make sure Wilshere’s needless challenges don’t stop him fulfilling his potential.
We must obviously remember Wilshere is young but if Wenger can control his fiery temper then just imagine the player Arsenal and England will have on their hands.
The comparisons with Cesc Fabregas are obvious, and in my opinion Wilshere could very much follow in the foot-steps of the Spaniard.&nbsp; I really feel, and hope Wilshere could lead a breed of the more technically gifted English footballers.
In years gone by there has been a focus on physical attributes in youngsters. So much so that some clubs would chose youngsters based purely on pace, power or strength, and then worry about coaching them technique.
Wilshere proves that natural ability is purely enough to make it as a footballer. Physically he lacks any real prowess, but technically he so gifted. What we saw today was the good and the bad of Wilshere, but hopefully in years to come we will see purely the good.

Jack Wilshere Shows He Still Has A Lot To Learn

Jack Wilshere Shows He Still Has A Lot To Learn - World Soccer Talk

<div><figure class="external-image"><img src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/arsenal-sheffield-united.jpg" alt="arsenal-sheffield-united.jpg"></figure></div>
What does it say about Arsenal when their reserve team last night beat Sheffield United 6-0 in the Carling Cup? Maybe the tournament should be renamed the Arsenal Youngsters Cup?
Here are some of the impressive young starlets who played last night:
<ul>
<li>Kieran Gibbs. Midfielder, 18 years old, only made his second appearance for Arsenal last night. His debut was one year ago in the Carling Cup when he came on as a substitute against, coincidentally, Sheffield United.</li>
<li>Mark Randall. Midfielder, 18 years old, made his fifth appearance for Arsenal yesterday — but only his second start for the club. His debut was August 2007 against West Brom in, you guessed it, the Carling Cup.</li>
<li>Francis Coquelin. Midfielder. The 17 year old made his debut last night for Arsenal although the Frenchman did make a couple of friendly appearances this summer after joining the Gunners from French side Laval.</li>
<li>Henri Lansbury. Midfielder, 17 years old, made his debut one year ago against Sheffield United and played again last night, coming on as a second half substitute.</li>
<li>Jay Simpson. Striker. 19 years old. This is another player who made his official debut last night for Arsenal against Sheffield United. Last season he played on loan at Millwall scoring six goals for the London club.</li>
</ul>
The teammates who played alongside those youngsters were:
Lukasz Fabianski, Gavin Hoyte, Alexandre Song, Johan Djourou, Fran Merida, Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela and Niklas Bendtner.
The amount of talent that Arsenal possesses is staggering. Many of the players fielded last night were essentially C Team players with little or no first team experience. Yet the team still clobbers Sheffield United six nil. Unbelievable.

Closer Look At Arsenal&#039;s Youngsters That Thrashed Sheff Utd

Closer Look At Arsenal&#039;s Youngsters That Thrashed Sheff Utd - World Soccer Talk

Closer Look At Arsenal's Youngsters That Thrashed Sheff Utd

Latest news from Jack Wilshere. Find out about all the news related to Jack Wilshere on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Jack Wilshere"