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Downing had no doubts in class
Middlesbrough, 12:13, November 25, 2008 ,
Boro winger Stewart Downing has revealed that he never had any doubts that he could produce the goods on the international stage.
The Teesside-born star took full advantage of several injuries to England coach Fabio Capello's first-choice players by putting in an impressive display for the Three Lions in last Wednesday's 2-1 win against Germany in Berlin. And, after his finest display for his country which came on the back of a dismal showing in his last 45-minute appearance against Andorra back in September's World Cup qualifier, Downing insists he always knew he could impress at the highest level.
"It was my best game for England," he told the Gazette.
"It was a thoroughly enjoyable game to play in and I know it was a friendly but I didn't treat it as such. There's no such thing as a friendly between England and Germany.
"It was physical, there was a lot of running off the ball and that's the way Fabio wants us to play the game."
He added: "I knew it was a big chance for me, I didn't need to be told that.
"I've heard people say I was lucky to get another chance but it wasn't only me that didn't do it in the Andorra game and I was taken off for tactical reasons.
"I've always thought that I was good enough to play at that level and I thought I proved that last week.
"But that's only one game. Hopefully I will be involved against Spain and I can show them what I can do then I can start proving people wrong.
"I want to get in the team and not in the squad."