Capello Must Love His Left Foot

Capello knows what Downing means in Italian. It means, "Stewart is the best left sided player in England".

Let's see if Capello can translate this correctly.

Later on today Capello names his squad for a friendly against France next week and Stewart Downing will be hoping he has done enough on the pitch to warrant a recall to the squad.
Downing has produced some of the best football of his career in recent weeks and will be hoping he has caught the eye of Fabio.

Downing's future was uncertain a couple of months ago as speculation arose surrounding his stay at Middlesbrough. He was linked with Tottenham Hotspur every day in January and was obviously feeling the pressure from both parties as his performances on the pitch lacked enthusiasm.

Now that he has put pen to paper on a new extended contract at Middlesbrough, Boro fans have seen that pressure lifted off the shoulders of the young winger. He has produced dazzling performances since his contract extension and it is evident he is enjoying his football at his hometown club.

These performances would not have gone unnoticed by the England manager and a recall to the squad should be one of his top priorities for the benefit of the team for the future.

Whilst getting back into the squad will be Downing's first ambition, it will then be his aim to get a starting place which would upset many Chelsea or Aston Villa fans. Joe Cole was a favourite with the old regime under the guidance of McClaren but Capello will seek players that fit the appropriate needs of a certain position. Don't get me wrong, Joe Cole is a class player but his strongest position is in the middle just behind the strikers and not playing wide left. Many seem to think he should be in the team regardless of what position he plays in but Capello will not accommodate players just because of their reputation as a club player, he will select players that are in form and also because they will fit into his tactical plans.

It will be good to see players in this next squad that are there by merit rather than by reputation. If a player has been constantly performing for his club and is in red hot form, then he should be selected for the England team. It is this way of selection that will prove beneficial to the national team as they prepare for another qualifying campaign later this year.

All Boro fans will be hoping that Stewart Downing gets into the squad and also cements himself in the starting lineup as England look to build for the future. Good luck SD!

Up The Boro

Stuart Young

Comments

[ryan matthews]

I simply don't agree for several reasons. Firstly Downing is very one sided when going past people,and easily read especially by good full backs. 4 goals and a couple of assists all season is not international standard. If I remember rightly he received a hard time from boro fans earlier in the season for poor performances. If we are looking for alternatives to Joe cole, how about Ashley young? 4 goals and 15 assists this season (top in the league.) Young plays well all season, Downing plays well for 3 games and gets a recall? Im an everton fan so would like to think I'm not biased towards either. Yet I do think Downing is a good player but put simply, cole and young have lots more to their game.