During 2008, Fabio Capello awarded caps to 35 players in ten games as England won eight, drew one and lost one. Today we look at Stewart Downing, who finished the year on a high.
Age 24
Date of Birth 22.07.84
Caps in 2008 5 Goals 0
Career Caps 21 Goals 0
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing made five appearances for England in 2008 and his most telling contribution came in the final match of the year against Germany.
His first-half corner evaded the German ‘keeper, Rene Adler, allowing Matthew Upson to stab the ball home from point blank range to give England the lead.
Then, with the scores locked at 1-1 Downing sent an 84th minute free kick into the box for John Terry to head home and give England an historic victory in Berlin.
Downing’s first appearance of the year came against France when he replaced Joe Cole at half time and he also came off the bench against Czech Republic in an August friendly.
Downing was a part of the England team that travelled to Trinidad & Tobago for their centenary celebrations in June and he began the World Cup Qualifier against Andorra in Spain.
With the new year now in full swing, the left winger will be hoping to remain in Fabio Capello’s plans and replicate his performance against Germany when called upon.