Despite Wilshere’s enthusiasm, other former England stars have urged caution. Michael Owen, who made his mark at the 1998 World Cup as a teenager, suggested Dowman was yet to prove himself to supplant the team’s established stars.
“He’d pretty much have to be starting every game between now and the end of the season and showing some sparks for us to be able to justify him taking over what is probably the strongest part of our team on the wings,” Owen said. Similarly, former Arsenal star Theo Walcott warned of the emotional cost of such a move, saying: “I hope he doesn’t leave. If I could go back in time, I would change things. He needs to mature at his own pace, especially emotionally, as he is a young adult. »
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