The Rockliffe Park seat of football learning has deservedly gained a reputation as one of the finest of its kind in England, if not Europe.

Stewart Downing, who made his first appearance for the England senior team against Holland last month, is just the latest in a long line of graduates who have established themselves in the top flight.

Team-mates James Morrison, Tony McMahon, Andrew Davies and Stuart Parnaby all learned their trade under Academy director David Parnaby and have represented England at Under-21 or Under-19 levels.

Next in line are highly-rated 18-year-old England youth international defenders Matthew Bates and David Wheater, who have both signed long-term contracts after impressing in last season's FA Youth Cup winning side.

Eriksson has been mightily impressed by Boro's breeding ground, telling the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette: "These are exciting times for Middlesbrough Football Club.

"The club has produced many exciting and talented young players in the past few years, and it is clear that the Academy and coaches are doing an excellent job. That is good news for England.

"Stewart Downing has been getting the headlines recently, but there are many more talented young players coming through and pushing for places in the first team.

"They have rewarded Steve McClaren's confidence in them with some very good performances.

"I also know from the England youth coaches that there are lots of Middlesbrough players in the various teams who are doing very well."

Eriksson has certainly been impressed with the likes of Morrison and McMahon and, for that matter, Boro when he's caught the team in action recently.

He said: "I have seen Middlesbrough play many times this season, both in England and away in the UEFA Cup, and they are doing very well.

"The experience of playing against teams from other countries will be of great benefit to the team, and especially young players like James Morrison and Anthony McMahon.

"If they continue to work hard and develop there is no reason why more Middlesbrough players cannot follow Stewart Downing into the England squad in years to come."

Tickets for the England Under-21s' European Championship Qualifier against Azerbaijan on 29 March at the Riverside are just £5 for adults and £1 for children and are available to personal callers at the stadium box office or by phoning 0870 4211 986.