England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Downing ignoring the critics

05 Oct 2006 - 12:37:03

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Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing is not worried about criticism of his recent performances for England.

Downing has struggled to impress in the national side's three victories this season, prompting the snipers to suggest his place in the team is down to his close working relationship with England boss Steve McClaren.

The 22-year-old insists he is in the side on merit and has no intention of allowing the detractors to put him off his game.

He said: "Like a lot of players, I've had a tough upbringing - but I wouldn't change it for the world. It has made me a stronger person.

"It stands me in good stead now. When I get the criticism levelled at me, it is really like water off a duck's back and you just get on with things and ignore the stick.

"I know that I am not in the squad just because Steve McClaren is the manager. Hopefully my performances are getting me in and not just because he is the manager.

"You know you are going to expect these sort of comments and people are going to try and put you down but you've just got to hold your head up high and get on with it."