Joleon Lescott believes Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha is in the conversation with Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman to make an impact for England, with World Cup 2026 talk heating up
Rio Ngumoha running past Wolves defenders in a Liverpool game(Image: Getty Images)
Joleon Lescott has tipped Max Dowman for an international debut and potential stardom with the national team.
However, the Former England defender suggests that Liverpool’s young talent, Rio Ngumoha, could potentially outpace him. Both teenage prodigies have had standout seasons with their respective Premier League clubs this term. At just 16, Dowman has received high praise and was recently crowned Man of the Match in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Mansfield.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ngumoha had a notable performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup triumph against Wolves. Speaking to ‘All Out Football,’ Lescott suggested that the Reds’ youngster is very much in contention to make his mark for England.
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“Yeah, I watched him, I did the game on the weekend [at Molineux], and I agree,” said Lescott. “The end product probably doesn’t look as clean as Max, but the decisions, what he [Ngumoha] was trying to do was more consistent.
“So I think that, again, we spoke about the importance of decision-making to outcomes and people just see a cross or a shot. I’m like, ‘That’s unlucky.’ I’m like, ‘Should he have shot, though, or should he have dribbled or should he have passed? Was it the right decision to make rather than the right outcome that come of it?’
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Max Dowman is enjoying a breakthrough season for Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
“Going back to Max, he’s definitely going to play for England. And we were speaking about, he has got a chance, he’s got a chance of being a world-class talent, 100 percent. But I don’t know who he’s ahead of to not go [to the World Cup].”
It’s extraordinary to consider that Dowman is already being discussed as a potential World Cup candidate, having made just six senior appearances for Arsenal. That tally could have been significantly higher by now had injury not sidelined him for much of this campaign.
Dowman’s performance at Mansfield saw him become the youngest player to start an FA Cup match for the Gunners, as he continues to shatter records. To his credit, the winger has repeatedly delivered flashes of brilliance in his limited first-team opportunities.
Ngumoha has enjoyed more chances to shine under Arne Slot and has netted once in 19 senior outings for Liverpool. Born nearly 18 months before Dowman, it stands to reason that he might be further advanced in his progression.
Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel isn’t exactly lacking wide options as he pieces together his World Cup squad for the summer. Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers look certain to be included, while Jarrod Bowen and a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford are also expected to travel to North America.
That’s without referencing other attacking wide players like Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, who have flourished under Tuchel. Given the level of competition, it is increasingly unlikely that either Dowman or Ngumoha will secure their breakthrough this summer.
That said, both talents appear certain for future England squads beyond this year’s World Cup. Arsenal academy product Theo Walcott holds the distinction for the youngest England debutant, having made his first appearance at 17 years and 75 days old.
The opportunity has already passed for Ngumoha to surpass that record, though there remains time for Dowman to establish a new standard.
