Emerging Talents: Dowman and Lacey on the Rise in English Football

Max Dowman has been making waves in North London, capturing attention for his remarkable potential both domestically and internationally. He holds the record as the youngest player to score in the UEFA Youth League at just 14 years old and has also made his mark in the Premier League 2.

In August 2025, Dowman became Arsenal’s second-youngest debutant, following fellow academy product Ethan Nwaneri, when he made his Premier League debut against Leeds at the age of 15 years and 235 days. Notably, he will not turn 16 until New Year’s Eve.

This highly touted prospect has already represented England at the U17 and U19 levels, having been promoted through the ranks. He is likely to receive an opportunity with the U21 team in the near future. England U21 coach, Carsley, acknowledged Dowman’s potential, stating, “He’s a player that we’re monitoring. Sometimes that talent needs to be accelerated quickly due to the challenges they face at their clubs. It’s crucial to remember how young Max is, and we are fully aware of his progress. He will definitely get his chance within the U21s.”

Dowman is not the only young star catching Carsley’s attention; fellow Premier League talent Shea Lacey is also on the radar. The 18-year-old winger has been impressive in the youth ranks at Manchester United, making his debut for the U20 team during the October international break.

Carsley commented on Lacey’s development, saying, “He’s been in the pathway for a significant time, and we rate him highly. It was fortunate that we needed someone for the training, and Shea was eager to participate with the Under-21s. You can see he possesses great talent. Although he has faced injury challenges, which have hampered his progress, it’s essential that we allow young players to develop at their own pace. I appreciated having him in our training sessions.”

Hailing from Liverpool, Lacey has represented England at U15, U16, U17, and U20 levels, with the U21 team as the next logical step in his career. Carsley and his team are dedicated to ensuring Lacey follows the right development path, providing him with ample opportunities to showcase his abilities.

With Manchester United’s rich history of promoting homegrown talent, it is anticipated that senior opportunities will soon arise for Lacey under the guidance of Ruben Amorim.

Similarly, Arsenal’s Dowman is among the latest talents emerging from the Emirates Stadium. Having already participated in the Premier League and Champions League, he may end the 2025-26 season adorned with winners’ medals. If he progresses to the U21 level, full international recognition could follow, especially with a shift anticipated after next summer’s World Cup. Dowman and Lacey are potential candidates for full caps as England prepares for the European Championship campaign in 2028.