Stewart Downing - Left Midfield - England World Cup Squad 2006
squad no. 20

club: Middlesbrough
position: Left Winger
age: 21
caps: 2
goals:

Does not look someone who will come on and tear defences apart but has a good left foot and can supply the forwards if supplied himself.

We do not expect Downing to emerge as one of the successes of the tournament.

Football England Verdict
Rating: 4.00

Got on a few times as sub but never convinced that he was ready to make a serious impact. Comprehensively eclipsed by Lennon.

Portugal 0-0.
Surplus to requirements here.

Ecuador 1-0.
Got on for the last couple of minutes as Sven tried to waste a bit of time. No chance to do anything, however.

Sweden 2-2.
Kept on the bench for this one which is fine by us.

Trinidad 2-0.
Football England rating: 4
Came on and was involved in a couple of decent moves but does not have the same "impact factor" of someone like Lennon.

Paraguay 1-0.
Football England rating 4
Did nothing to suggest that he can influence games coming on as a substitute with his performance after replacing Michael Owen.
His attempts at beating his full back were depressingly obvious. Downing just boots it down the line and tries to run faster than the defender. There won't be many here who can't match him for pace. And Joe Cole was destroying the fella before Downing came on.
Was involved in one decent crossfield passing move with Beckham.

Check back here for Football England's Assessment of Downing's Performances and News.