Stewart Downing's delight at England recall

The West Ham United midfielder is back in Roy Hodgson’s squad after an absence of over two years and is looking to add to his 34-cap collection.

And the 30-year-old has noticed a vastly different demographic to the group since his last appearance against Norway in May 2012.

"I’m feeling a little bit older since yesterday!" chuckled Downing.

"There are a few young lads here now, but that’s exciting for England and if you can keep these lads together for another couple of years and build them as a team, then you have a great chance.

"So it’s all very exciting and I’m glad to be back in the squad and having a chance to play with these good players."

He continued: "I think we’ve bounced back ever so well after the World Cup, there’s young lads here who are willing to learn along with a few older lads like myself.

"We’ve had some good results and I’m sure we’ll be looking to win the next two games."

The former Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Liverpool schemer has been in excellent form with the Hammers this season to earn himself a recall to the squad.

And with a Euro Qualifier against Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday, followed by what is sure to be an intense match with Scotland at Celtic Park next Tuesday, Downing is delighted with his return to the fold.

Downing and Jack Wilshere listen to Roy Hodgson

"I’m over the moon to be back," he admits.

"I didn’t think I’d get back in, as I’d been out for a long while. But it just goes to show that if you keep working hard and your team is doing well and you’re doing well, then you’ve always got a chance.

"We’re looking to go into games to win them all, even if it’s a friendly.

"[Scotland games have] never been a friendly and, if you look at it, the Scottish lads will want to beat us as much as we want to beat them. 

"I think it will be very competitive. We’ll go there to win the game and I’m sure there will be a great atmosphere."

After making his name as a winger in his younger days, Downing has been enjoying a move into a more central role under West Ham boss Sam Allardyce this season.

He has since played an important role in their start to the season, which sees them currently sitting in fourth spot of the Premier League table.

Downing celebrates for West Ham

And he reckons his new lease of life at Upton Park has played a major part in him getting his recall.

"I think the move to West Ham came at a good time for me," he explained. 

"The manager’s been first class with me since I went there - he’s played me week-in and week-out and has given me a lot of confidence to go out and perform.

"I made a positional change and I’m really enjoying it. It was something that we spoke about when I first signed but it hasn’t really come out until this season when we’ve had the luxury of changing it.

"This season, the manager has bought well, the players came in early and we got off to a great start, which has helped everyone.

"I’m glad it’s come about because I’m really enjoying it and hopefully it will continue in an England shirt as well."

England face Slovenia at Wembley Stadium at 5pm on Saturday. Tickets are still available to buy online, click here.