England axe annoys Downing
15 Mar 2008 - 12:21:50
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- England axe annoys Downing
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing has admitted to being bitterly disappointed at being left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad, for last month's friendly against Switzerland.
The 23-year-old was named in an initial party for the Wembley encounter, but missed the cut when the final 23-man squad was named and could only look on as England won 2-1.
Downing had been a regular in Steve McClaren's plans, but was left out with no explanation forthcoming from the Italian coach.
Downing told Setanta Sports: "That was probably the disappointing thing, being left out.
"Any excuse he had given me, I would have taken on the chin and moved on, but to be left out when I have been in the squad for two years with no explanation, it is hard to take, a little bit.
"I have said before there's no point in moaning about it, the only thing I can do is keep playing well and make him not leave me out."
Downing, who recently signed a new long-term contract at the Riverside, has been in excellent form in recent weeks for Boro and has seven goals to his name this season.