Downing - The New Gerrard?

Last updated : 02 January 2009 By Boro Mad
Let's be honest, we're more concerned how Downing plays for Middlesbrough ... and his England career will take care of itself.

But with England finding it hard to fit Gerrard and Lampard into the same team, Downing knows his number of caps will only rise if he plays out wide.

Downing switched from his usual left-sided role and featured alongside Julio Arca and Gary O'Neil for Boro at Old Trafford on Monday.

Southgate: "We wanted to have a look at Stewart in the middle. We wanted to find a way of making sure we got his qualities into the game.

"He's played most of his football wide left but I thought he did very well on Monday and he showed that he can play inside as well."