England without five, Tuchel considers 16-year-old Arsenal talent

In the cafeteria of the national training complex a tense silence hangs as Thomas Tuchel leans over the empty bench. He is considering an unconventional move: the sixteen-year-old Arsenal talent Max Dowman, not yet twenty, to be given a place in the England squad.

Five withdrawn due to injury

Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice were originally on the list for The Three Lions. However, the five have withdrawn because of injuries, creating a gap in the squad.

James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White, who recently made their senior debuts, will report to Tuchel's squad. Gibbs‑White, often simply called Gibbs, is seen as a direct replacement.

It is being speculated that an additional replacement could be called up, depending on the availability of other young talents.

According to The Sun, national team coach Thomas Tuchel is considering calling up Max Dowman for the first time in the England squad. The newspaper reports that the 16‑year‑old, who is currently part of the England U19‑squad, could thus gain his first experience with The Three Lions.

England has four Nations‑League‑matches scheduled in the coming weeks: against Spain, twice against the Czech Republic and once against Croatia. These fixtures give Dowman and the newly‑called‑up players a chance to prove themselves at the international level.