Downing Debut

Sporting number 19, Boro born, bred and academy trained Stewart Downing made his England international debut at Villa park against Holland, coming on in the 61st minute. The game itself was a non-event (0-0) as Sven tried out some strange systems, playing many players out of position, resulting in a confused mess from midfield forward. The defense came out of it best with Wes Brown and Jamie Carragher deputising well for injured regulars. Stew, though, despite looking nervous in his first five minutes certainly seemed to fit in well, but needed much longer on the pitch to show what he can do. Whether he will be picked for the next qualifier remains to be seen - he may be in the squad but would be lucky to start on this evidence. Still, it's great to see a Boroboy doing so well, it has been a meteroic rise from youth team to 1st squad to England in less than a year! Good on him. Kx