sports
Tuchel ‘keeps door open’ for Dowman to force way into World Cup picture
Arsenal teenager not included in latest 35-man squad
TL;DR
- Thomas Tuchel has kept the door open for 16-year-old Arsenal player Max Dowman to be selected for the World Cup.
- Dowman was not included in the initial 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
- Tuchel explained the larger squad size is to manage player minutes during a busy season.
- Recalls for Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Lewis Hall, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, and a first call-up for James Garner were noted.
- Omissions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Ollie Watkins were highlighted.
- Tuchel advised Dowman to focus on playing for Arsenal and cautioned against excessive hype.
- The manager will make the final World Cup squad decision in May.
- Jude Bellingham will be managed carefully due to injury and is unlikely to play against Uruguay.