Thomas Tuchel could field a record‑cap international with Max Dowman

In the training camp ahead of the Saturday match against Spain, a 16‑year‑old candidate is in focus: Max Dowman, who at 16 years, eight months and 27 days would be the youngest possible squad for England, if Thomas Tuchel selects him.

The current top five in the historical ranking

The fifth‑youngest international is Rio Ngumoha, who was brought on in the World Cup warm‑up match against New Zealand at the age of 17 years, nine months and eight days and contributed to the 1‑0 win.

In fourth place is James Prinsep, whose only appearance was in 1879 during the 5‑4 victory over Scotland; he held the record for almost 125 years.

The third‑placed is Jude Bellingham, then a BVB star, who came on in the 73rd minute of the 3‑0 friendly against Ireland in 2020 at 17 years, four months and 14 days old; today he plays for Real Madrid.

Wayne Rooney overtook Prinsep in February 2003 against Australia, coming onto the field at 17 years, three months and 19 days, but England lost 1‑3.

The second place belongs to Theo Walcott, who was used in the May 2006 warm‑up match against Hungary; he remains to this day the record holder and amassed 47 caps and eight goals by 2016.

With a possible subsequent nomination of Max Dowman, Thomas Tuchel has the chance to field the youngest England international of all time and thereby set a new record.