Downing moans about being shit.

Downing upset by England omission

Stewart Downing
Downing played under Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing was upset at being dropped by England for their 2-0 defeat by Croatia and feels he was unfairly singled out.

England boss Steve McClaren left Downing out of the Euro 2008 qualifier on 11 October after he played in the draw with Macedonia four days earlier.

Downing, 22, who played under McClaren at Boro, told the News of the World: "I told the manager I wasn't happy.

"I explained that if I was to be dropped, other players should be too."

Downing added: "I knew we were going to get criticism after the Macedonia game because we didn't win.

"But I thought it was a bit harsh when only two players were singled out - Wayne Rooney and myself.

"It's a team game and, for me, Ledley King was the only player who stood out.

"That was why I was disappointed when I was left out for Croatia."

"I know I shouldn't worry about other players but it's all for one and one for all. If one is dropped then the rest should be.

"Steve said he was changing the system - but I'd already played in that system for Middlesbrough in Europe.

"He agreed and said 'I know you were effective during the UEFA Cup'.

"I told him I accepted his decision because he's the manager. In the end you have to get on with it and respect him.

"But at the end of the day I'm disappointed and I'll prove him wrong."

Downing said he was surprised when assistant manager Terry Venables claimed his omission was down to the Boro man being affected by criticism from the England fans.

"That wasn't the explanation I was told," added Downing. "The explanation was for tactical reasons. But by then the damage had already been done because I'd been criticised.

"The manager has since said to me I will still be involved but we'll wait and see.

"I feel like this was a missed opportunity."

I think he should shut his fucking face...who does he think he is? He's been playing crap for England, and is probably the worst player in the 1st XI (thank god Joe Coles comeing back) He thinks the sun shines out of his bloody arse. Tosser.

*waits for Cooper*

FFS, Beckham didn't moan as much after being dropped entirely from the squad. Downing deserves a slap

Incredible article.... how braindead do you have to be to let this come out in the press

Its because he is touchable - Mclaren mnaged him at club level and so feels that he can treat him like his bitch, he cannot however do the same with Lampard for exmple.

In addition, Downing was clearly the worst player on the pitch V Macedonia

Tweedledum wrote:
In addition, Downing was clearly the worst player on the pitch V Macedonia

The game where he set up more chances than anyone?

Obispo wrote:

Tweedledum wrote:
In addition, Downing was clearly the worst player on the pitch V Macedonia

The game where he set up more chances than anyone?

The game where he kept runing blindly and just putting the ball into the box in the hope that Crouch would get on the end of it. yes

Tweedledum wrote:

Obispo wrote:

Tweedledum wrote:
In addition, Downing was clearly the worst player on the pitch V Macedonia

The game where he set up more chances than anyone?

The game where he kept runing blindly and just putting the ball into the box in the hope that Crouch would get on the end of it. yes

... You mean he "Pulled a Rooney-Gerrard-Lampard-Terry-Cole"?

Obispo wrote:

Tweedledum wrote:

Obispo wrote:

Tweedledum wrote:
In addition, Downing was clearly the worst player on the pitch V Macedonia

The game where he set up more chances than anyone?

The game where he kept runing blindly and just putting the ball into the box in the hope that Crouch would get on the end of it. yes

... You mean he "Pulled a Rooney-Gerrard-Lampard-Terry-Cole"?

Exactly, but hes Mclarens bitch remember

You cannot come out in the press and say such things unless you have achieved something - which Downing hasn't.

If not misquoted that is unbelievable arrogance from a relative novice.

Couldnt care less.

I actually dont think he's said anything wrong either. Don't see what the fuss is about...said he knew he didnt play well and that neither did the rest of them, all true.

True, I can't see a problem either - hopefully it'll fire up all the underperformers

In all fairness, nothing Downing said was untrue, it's simply that as a new boy on the block it wasn't his position to say it. Basically McClaren is admitting that the press/fans will dictate the team, which means more of Frank 'hasn't had a good game for England since Euro 2004' Lampard, I'm afraid, and a refusal to think in any terms beyond 4-4-2.

Downing is the only left footed England player who can actually beat a man and cross the ball accurately. He deserves to be in the squad for that aspect alone. However, in the 3-5-2 (i.e. the 5-3-2, because Neville and Cole are not wingbacks, but that sounds too defensive so McClaren calls if 3-5-2) he's not he right man to run the left flank.

Downing is spot on.

Downing and Rooney were the only one's singled out when against Macedonia Gerrard, Lampard had been just as shit.

Yes but Gerrard, Lampard and Rooney have in the past put in great performances for England. Downing hasn't.

Plus he shouldn't be bitching in the press about team selection.

I hope he keeps up the attitude. I always thought he was a bit soft but clearly not.

But someone has to stand up against the star culture we have in England, where some players are exempt from criticism.

Imo, Gerrard hasn't produced for England in 5 years, why should he be allowed to continue to put in average performances and get no flak, just because he plays well for Liverpool.

As he said, apart from King no one played well in that game, so it seems far to easy to pick on the easy targets like Downing.

Parks Lives wrote: Gerrard hasn't produced for England in 5 years, why should he be allowed to continue to put in average performances and get no flak

Sorry remind me who was England's top scorer at the World Cup?

And who's a better replacement?

TBH I'd be delighted to see SG not play for England and concentrate on Liverpool .

He came on and scored a header vs Sweden, he scored a good goal vs Trinidad & Tobago, was average against Ecuador and Paraguay and shocking vs Portugal.

He did not have a good World cup, he was just better than the dross Beckham and Lampard produced.

I'd like Lennon -- Gerrard -- Hargreaves -- J Cole midfield tried, however if Gerrard still can't produce I'd look to drop him.

To be fair i think Mclaren has been rather nice about this, surely the most honest statement would have been.

Mclaren : Stuart sit down
Downing : I know i didn't play well at the weekend but neither did the team, i believe i will play much better in the next game.
Mclaren : Wooaah hold your horses next game ?
Downing : Yeah Croatia...
Mclaren : Im not letting you anywhere near them, jeez your the worst player ive seen on the left for England in years your just plain shit.

who's Mclaren?

He's the man England should have got.

I'm the man England should have got.

we don't like foreigners

borocooper wrote:we don't like foreigners

Wales is a principality, not a foreign country (unlike Ireland, according to some)...

anyone who dips their end in a sheep is foreign to me.

borocooper wrote:anyone who dips their end in a sheep is foreign to me.

So you'd consider an English ram foreign?


You lot up in Scotland mk II are a bit weird...

I would indeed consider it foreign, and not human. Just like a welsh thing.

Was it not a straight choice: downing or cole? Away from home england had to try and be solid, and the wingbacks had to be running up and down a lot, so cole was chosen. The right side was more controversial with neville not having the energy or speed to get up and down the flank, getting in ahead of swp.

As for the criticism no-one takes as much criticism as crouch (even though he scores and wins games), and he has always behaved pretty well.