Downing, who has been named in the England squad to face Holland in a friendly international on Wednesday, celebrated in style.

The Middlesbrough winger set up Franck Queudrue for the winner against Blackburn at The Riverside on Saturday and terrorised the Rovers defence.

Afterwards Middlesbrough boss, and England Assistant Manager, Steve McClaren, insisted his young winger thoroughly deserves his call-up for the national side.

He said: "Stewart has been getting all the plaudits this season and he deserves them.

"I thought October-November was too early for him for England because he had not showed enough consistency. But he has now.

"He was very good against Blackburn and possibly should have scored. Stewart deserves to join the England squad at that top level."

Downing was not the only Three Lions hero on top form, however.

Striker Wayne Rooney scored another superb goal to help Manchester United beat Birmingham 2-0, with Gary Neville and Rio Ferdinand also influential.

Ashley Cole scored one of the best goals of his career, a thumping waist-high volley, as Arsenal won 3-1 against Aston Villa at Villa Park, proving his character in some style.

Manager Arsene Wenger said: "I enjoyed the three goals, they were all good. But I was very happy for Ashley."

At Anfield, Jamie Carragher looked solid in a 3-1 victory over Fulham, with captain Steven Gerrard playing on despite a head injury.

At Tottenham, striker Jermain Defoe was overshadowed for once as Spurs new signing Mido scored twice against Portsmouth. But keeper Paul Robinson was on top form and Ledley King was outstanding at the back.

Kieron Dyer was also on goalscoring form for Newcastle, scoring in a 1-1 draw against Charlton when he chested down an Alan Shearer flick-on and blasted home.

It was not such a good day for England new boy Andy Johnson, whose Crystal Palace side lost at home to Bolton 1-0. But he should have plenty to celebrate this week as he joins up with the England squad.

On Sunday, the Three Lions theme continued at Stamford Bridge where no fewer than 11 players with England connections were included on the teamsheet.

Eight of them started, including of course Frank Lampard, John Terry and Wayne Bridge for Chelsea and David James and Shaun Wright-Phillips for City.

James was outstanding, producing a string of fine saves to keep Chelsea at bay, including a world-class stop from Frank Lampard in injury time.

Wright-Phillips caused no end of problems for the Blues defence but, as usual, Terry was immense. Even an accidental collision with Joey Barton, which left him with a bloody lip, could not put him off his stride.