Stewart Downing
Encyclopedia
Stewart Downing is an English footballer who plays for Liverpool
and the England national team. Primarily a winger, Downing has previously played for Aston Villa
, Middlesbrough
and Sunderland
.
.
His debut came on 24 April 2002 in a FA Premier League game away at Ipswich Town
. He was limited to just three appearances during that season, plus a further three the following season despite scoring his first senior goal in a 4–1 League Cup
victory over Brentford
. He was sent out on loan to Sunderland
in 2003 in order to gain experience. His first-team chances at Middlesbrough were limited due to the form of Bolo Zenden in the left-midfield slot. Downing's career began to take-off when he was recalled from his loan during an injury crisis and was pushed into the first-team.
The 2004–05 season saw Downing make forty-nine appearances, scoring six goals, as well as providing numerous assists. In a UEFA Cup match against S. S. Lazio in November 2004, both Downing and Zenden were in the starting line-up. Though Zenden scored both goals in the 2–0 victory, Downing drew praise for his performance down the left. Such performances that season saw him called up to Sven Göran Eriksson's England squad
in February 2005 for a friendly against the Netherlands
.
A knee injury saw Downing sidelined for five months at the end of 2005, though he returned to play his part in the run to the 2006 UEFA Cup Final
, including three assists in the 4–2 (4–3 agg
) victory over Steaua Bucharest in the semi-final second leg.
On 26 February 2008, Downing signed a new five-year contract, keeping him signed on at Middlesbrough until summer 2013. With the departure of Mark Schwarzer
in May 2008, Downing became Middlesbrough's second longest serving player after Brad Jones.
The 2008–09 season was a mixed one for Downing. Middlesbrough had their best start to the season in six years which saw them climb to 8th in the table, however, a terrible winless run which started in November 2008 saw them fall into the relegation zone. On the 5 January 2009, he handed in a written transfer request expressing his desire to leave the club but the request was turned down on the same day. In the penultimate match of the season, he sustained a foot injury after a challenge from Stilian Petrov in a home game against Aston Villa in May, which needed an operation, ruling him out for at least four months. After spending the whole of the second half of the season in the relegation zone, Middlesbrough were relegated on the final day after they lost 2–1 away at West Ham United
. Downing, having started every league game, except the last match, ended the season with no league goals, having only scored two against West Ham United in the FA Cup
.
, becoming Martin O'Neill
's first signing of the 2009 Summer transfer window for a fee of £10 million with an extra £2 million to be paid depending on appearances. On 7 November 2009, O'Neill announced that Downing had returned to full training following his injury against Villa while playing for Middlesbrough during the 2008–09
season.
Downing made his Aston Villa début coming on as a 69th minute substitute for Steve Sidwell
in the away game versus Burnley
. He scored his first goal for Villa in the Carling Cup fourth round tie against Portsmouth
at Fratton Park
on 1 December 2009.
Downing's return to action saw him returning to his preferred left wing role, with James Milner
moving to central midfield for Villa. Downing played in Villa's first win at Old Trafford
against Manchester United
since 1983 on 12 December 2009 in their 1–0 victory over the Red Devils. Downing then went on to score his first and second league goal for Villa in their 5–2 win against Burnley on 2 February 2010. His second season with Aston Villa has been a much improved one, he scored the first premier league goal of the season against West Ham United at Villa Park on the 14 August in a 3–0 win. His next goal came against Stoke City with a brilliant curling header on the 13 September. Against Aston Villa's rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park, he scored his third goal of the season from a Marc Albrighton
cross. In the Carling Cup game versus Burnley
, he scored an extra-time winner to send Villa through to the next round. On the 10 November he scored his fifth of the season against Blackpool which saw Villa win the match 3–2. On 21 November 2010, Downing started and played the full 90 minutes against Blackburn Rovers
at Ewood Park
in a 2–0 defeat. He netted his sixth of the season against Villa rival's West Brom. On 26 February, Downing scored against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park in a match which Villa went on to win 4–1. In the final game of the season, Downing scored his eighth against Liverpool at Villa Park
with the result ending 1–0. At the end of the 2010–2011 season Downing made 44 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions and was probably one of their best players throughout the campaign along with Ashley Young. He has currently played in 79 games for the Villa and scored 11 goals for the club in total. Downing was the subject of much speculation over the summer, with Liverpool
showing a great deal of interest in the winger. On 6 July, Liverpool tabled a bid of £15 million for Downing but this was quickly rejected by Villa, who said they would not let Downing go for less than £20m.
New Villa boss Alex McLeish
then stated that Downing was not for sale and he would not be leaving Villa in the summer. However, on 13 July 2011, a fee was agreed between Aston Villa and Liverpool for the transfer of Downing.
On Saturday 13 August 2011, Downing made his debut in Liverpool's first game of the 2011–12 Premier League
, in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield
, playing the full 90 minutes. On Saturday 20 August 2011, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal
in a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium
.
. With seven Under-21
caps
to his credit, Downing made his England debut on 9 February 2005 in a home friendly, played at Villa Park
against the Netherlands
, replacing Shaun Wright-Phillips
in the second half.
Downing's international career took a setback in May 2005 when he was injured during a training session with England on their tour of the United States
, keeping him out of action until 2006. Downing was included in the England World Cup
squad in May 2006 by Sven-Göran Eriksson
, primarily as a back-up for Joe Cole
, and came on as a second half substitute in England's victorious opening game against Paraguay
. He was brought on once again in the match against Trinidad and Tobago
, when England scored two goals in the last ten minutes.
On 16 August 2006, Downing made his first start for England, as Greece
were beaten by 4–0, with Downing involved in three of the goals. He started the subsequent three Euro 2008 qualifiers, against Andorra
and the Republic of Macedonia
. His performances drew criticism from the press, with many stating that Downing was only being selected due to his friendship with manager Steve McClaren
. However, Downing hopes to have proven many of his critics wrong after Fabio Capello
became the third successive England manager to give him an England cap, on 26 March 2008 in a 1–0 friendly defeat to France. He was also called up (alongside Middlesbrough teammate David Wheater
) for Capello's friendlies against United States
and Trinidad and Tobago
, where he received the nod ahead of Ashley Young. His performance justified his selection by contributing with the first two goals and won praise from the press who had previously slated his inclusion in the squad. A few months after Capello took charge of England
, the Italian boss stated that he had been most impressed by Downing. He was chosen again by Capello to replace Aaron Lennon
for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro
on the 12 October 2010. His second season with Aston Villa saw him recalled to the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Since his big money move to Liverpool Football Club, he is now considered a regular for England and has currently earned 30 caps for his country since his debut back in 2005.
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||rowspan="3"|Premier League||3||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||3||0
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|2002/03||2||0||0||0||1||1||0||0||3||1
|-
|2003/04||20||0||2||0||2||0||0||0||24||0
|-
|2003/04||Sunderland
||First Division
||7||3||0||0||0||0||0||0||7||3
|-
|2004/05||rowspan="5"|Middlesbrough
||rowspan="5"|Premier League||35||5||2||0||2||0||9||1||48||6
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|2005/06||12||1||5||0||0||0||9||0||26||1
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|2009/10||rowspan="2"|Aston Villa
||rowspan="2"|Premier League||25||2||6||0||4||1||0||0||35||3
|-
|2010/11||38||7||3||0||2||1||1||0||44||8
|-
|2011/12||rowspan="1"|Liverpool
||rowspan="1"|Premier League||13||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||14||0
264||29||36||3||15||3||19||1||334||34
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Last Updated 27 November 2011
Aston Villa
, warning youngsters against playing on railway lines. Downing held a charity dinner with special guest boxer Ricky Hatton
to raise funds for the Royal Victoria Infirmary
in Newcastle Upon Tyne
in February 2008. The hospital had cared for Vicky, Stewart's sister, who died of leukaemia in 1993 at the age of 4. The honorary position of president of Middlesbrough Futsal Club
was bestowed on Downing in December 2007. During his spare time Downing has DJ-ed at several nightclubs in Middlesbrough while also playing sets in Ibiza among other places.
Downing's former agent
Ian Elliott was arrested by Cleveland Police
in September 2008 after he was reported to the police by the player himself after he had concerns "regarding the way his and his company's affairs [had] been handled". He told Middlesbrough about his concerns some time earlier and the club advised him to involve lawyers and accountants to investigate, while The FA acted as liaison between the police and the club.
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
and the England national team. Primarily a winger, Downing has previously played for Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
and Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
.
Middlesbrough
Downing was born in Middlesbrough, England. He was considered one of the most promising graduates of the Middlesbrough AcademyMiddlesbrough F.C. Reserves and Academy
Middlesbrough Reserves and the Middlesbrough Academy are the reserve and under-18 teams of Middlesbrough F.C. respectively.Most reserve home fixtures and all Academy home fixtures are played at Rockliffe Park, near Hurworth, though the final reserve home game of the season is usually played at the...
.
His debut came on 24 April 2002 in a FA Premier League game away at Ipswich Town
Ipswich Town F.C.
Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
. He was limited to just three appearances during that season, plus a further three the following season despite scoring his first senior goal in a 4–1 League Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
victory over Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
. He was sent out on loan to Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
in 2003 in order to gain experience. His first-team chances at Middlesbrough were limited due to the form of Bolo Zenden in the left-midfield slot. Downing's career began to take-off when he was recalled from his loan during an injury crisis and was pushed into the first-team.
The 2004–05 season saw Downing make forty-nine appearances, scoring six goals, as well as providing numerous assists. In a UEFA Cup match against S. S. Lazio in November 2004, both Downing and Zenden were in the starting line-up. Though Zenden scored both goals in the 2–0 victory, Downing drew praise for his performance down the left. Such performances that season saw him called up to Sven Göran Eriksson's England squad
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
in February 2005 for a friendly against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
.
A knee injury saw Downing sidelined for five months at the end of 2005, though he returned to play his part in the run to the 2006 UEFA Cup Final
2006 UEFA Cup Final
The 2006 UEFA Cup Final was a football match that took place at Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, on 10 May 2006. The match was contested by Middlesbrough of England and Sevilla of Spain. Sevilla won the UEFA Cup with a 4–0 win.-Match details:...
, including three assists in the 4–2 (4–3 agg
Two-legged match
In sport , a two-legged tie is a contest between two teams which comprises two matches or legs, with each team as the home team in one leg. The winning team is usually determined by aggregate score, the sum of the scores of the two legs...
) victory over Steaua Bucharest in the semi-final second leg.
On 26 February 2008, Downing signed a new five-year contract, keeping him signed on at Middlesbrough until summer 2013. With the departure of Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer
Mark Schwarzer OAM is an Australian association football player who plays as a goalkeeper. He currently plays for Premier League club Fulham. He rose to prominence during his time at North-East England football club Middlesbrough...
in May 2008, Downing became Middlesbrough's second longest serving player after Brad Jones.
The 2008–09 season was a mixed one for Downing. Middlesbrough had their best start to the season in six years which saw them climb to 8th in the table, however, a terrible winless run which started in November 2008 saw them fall into the relegation zone. On the 5 January 2009, he handed in a written transfer request expressing his desire to leave the club but the request was turned down on the same day. In the penultimate match of the season, he sustained a foot injury after a challenge from Stilian Petrov in a home game against Aston Villa in May, which needed an operation, ruling him out for at least four months. After spending the whole of the second half of the season in the relegation zone, Middlesbrough were relegated on the final day after they lost 2–1 away at West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
. Downing, having started every league game, except the last match, ended the season with no league goals, having only scored two against West Ham United in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
.
Aston Villa
Following Middlesbrough's relegation, Downing signed a four-year contract with Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, becoming Martin O'Neill
Martin O'Neill
Martin Hugh Michael O'Neill, OBE, is a Northern Irish football manager and former player.Until resigning the post on 9 August 2010, he was manager of Aston Villa. Starting his career in his native Northern Ireland, O'Neill moved to England where he spent most of his playing career with Nottingham...
's first signing of the 2009 Summer transfer window for a fee of £10 million with an extra £2 million to be paid depending on appearances. On 7 November 2009, O'Neill announced that Downing had returned to full training following his injury against Villa while playing for Middlesbrough during the 2008–09
2008–09 in English football
The 2008–09 season was the 129th season of competitive football in England.-Overview:* West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Hull City were all playing in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship last season. Stoke returned to the top flight after a 23-year absence, while...
season.
Downing made his Aston Villa début coming on as a 69th minute substitute for Steve Sidwell
Steve Sidwell
Steven James "Steve" Sidwell is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Fulham in the Premier League. His previous clubs include Arsenal, Reading, Chelsea and Aston Villa.-Arsenal:...
in the away game versus Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
. He scored his first goal for Villa in the Carling Cup fourth round tie against Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
at Fratton Park
Fratton Park
Fratton Park is a football stadium in the English city-port of Portsmouth. It has been the home of professional club Portsmouth F.C. since its construction in 1898.-Description:...
on 1 December 2009.
Downing's return to action saw him returning to his preferred left wing role, with James Milner
James Milner
Milner was described as a "first class" student at his school; he left with 11 GCSEs and an award for his performance in physical education. Milner also showed talent in cricket, sprinting and long-distance running...
moving to central midfield for Villa. Downing played in Villa's first win at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
against Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
since 1983 on 12 December 2009 in their 1–0 victory over the Red Devils. Downing then went on to score his first and second league goal for Villa in their 5–2 win against Burnley on 2 February 2010. His second season with Aston Villa has been a much improved one, he scored the first premier league goal of the season against West Ham United at Villa Park on the 14 August in a 3–0 win. His next goal came against Stoke City with a brilliant curling header on the 13 September. Against Aston Villa's rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Villa Park, he scored his third goal of the season from a Marc Albrighton
Marc Albrighton
Marc Kevin Albrighton is an English footballer who plays for Premier League side Aston Villa as a winger. He is most comfortable playing on the right side of midfield or as a right-winger, but is sufficiently effective on the left....
cross. In the Carling Cup game versus Burnley
Burnley F.C.
Burnley Football Club are a professional English Football League club based in Burnley, Lancashire. Nicknamed the Clarets, due to the dominant colour of their home shirts, they were founder members of the Football League in 1888...
, he scored an extra-time winner to send Villa through to the next round. On the 10 November he scored his fifth of the season against Blackpool which saw Villa win the match 3–2. On 21 November 2010, Downing started and played the full 90 minutes against Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
at Ewood Park
Ewood Park
Ewood Park is a football stadium in the English town of Blackburn, Lancashire, and is the home of Blackburn Rovers Football Club — one of the founder members of the Football League and Premier League. Rovers have played there since they moved from Leamington Street in the summer of 1890. The...
in a 2–0 defeat. He netted his sixth of the season against Villa rival's West Brom. On 26 February, Downing scored against Blackburn Rovers at Villa Park in a match which Villa went on to win 4–1. In the final game of the season, Downing scored his eighth against Liverpool at Villa Park
Villa Park
Villa Park may mean:United Kingdom* Villa Park, an association football stadium in Birmingham, EnglandUnited States* Villa Park, California, a small city in Orange County* Villa Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago in DuPage County...
with the result ending 1–0. At the end of the 2010–2011 season Downing made 44 appearances and scored 8 goals in all competitions and was probably one of their best players throughout the campaign along with Ashley Young. He has currently played in 79 games for the Villa and scored 11 goals for the club in total. Downing was the subject of much speculation over the summer, with Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
showing a great deal of interest in the winger. On 6 July, Liverpool tabled a bid of £15 million for Downing but this was quickly rejected by Villa, who said they would not let Downing go for less than £20m.
New Villa boss Alex McLeish
Alex McLeish
Alexander "Alex" McLeish , is a Scottish former professional footballer and manager, who is currently managing English Premier League club Aston Villa...
then stated that Downing was not for sale and he would not be leaving Villa in the summer. However, on 13 July 2011, a fee was agreed between Aston Villa and Liverpool for the transfer of Downing.
Liverpool
Downing completed his move to Liverpool on 15 July 2011, for an undiclosed fee, believed to be in the region of £20 million on a four-year contract.On Saturday 13 August 2011, Downing made his debut in Liverpool's first game of the 2011–12 Premier League
2011–12 Premier League
The 2011–12 Premier League is the twentieth season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2011–12 fixtures were announced on 17 June 2011 at 9:00 BST. The season began on 13 August 2011 and is due to end on 13 May 2012...
, in a 1–1 draw against Sunderland at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
, playing the full 90 minutes. On Saturday 20 August 2011, he started and played the full 90 minutes against Arsenal
Arsenal
An arsenal is a place where arms and ammunition are made, maintained and repaired, stored, issued to authorized users, or any combination of those...
in a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium
Emirates Stadium
Ashburton Grove, currently known as the Emirates Stadium, is a UEFA elite football stadium which is home to Arsenal FC, where they moved from Highbury in 2006. It has an current capacity of 60,361, and there have been rumours of an expansion...
.
International career
Downing was first called up as a 19-year-old for the 2003 UEFA European U-19 Championship2003 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship
The 2003 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship was held in Liechtenstein from 16 to 26 July 2003. Players born after 1 January 1984 can participate in this competition.- Venues :- Teams :The eight teams that participated in the final tournament were:...
. With seven Under-21
England national under-21 football team
England's national Under-21 football team, also known as England Under-21s or England U21, is considered to be the feeder team for the England national football team....
caps
Cap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
to his credit, Downing made his England debut on 9 February 2005 in a home friendly, played at Villa Park
Villa Park, England
Villa Park is an association football stadium in the district of Witton, Birmingham, England with a seating capacity of 42,786. It has been the home of Aston Villa Football Club since 1897. The team previously played at Aston Park from 1874 to 1876 and Perry Barr from 1876 to 1897...
against the Netherlands
Netherlands national football team
The Netherlands National Football Team represents the Netherlands in association football and is controlled by the Royal Dutch Football Association , the governing body for football in the Netherlands...
, replacing Shaun Wright-Phillips
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Shaun Cameron Wright-Phillips is an English footballer who plays for Queens Park Rangers and the England national team. He is the adopted son of former England international, Ian Wright and the half-brother of fellow professional football player Bradley Wright-Phillips...
in the second half.
Downing's international career took a setback in May 2005 when he was injured during a training session with England on their tour of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, keeping him out of action until 2006. Downing was included in the England World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
squad in May 2006 by Sven-Göran Eriksson
Sven-Göran Eriksson
Sven-Göran Eriksson , in Sweden commonly referred to just by his nickname Svennis, is a Swedish ex-football manager. From October 2010 to October 2011 he managed Football League Championship side Leicester City....
, primarily as a back-up for Joe Cole
Joe Cole
Joseph John "Joe" Cole is an English footballer who plays for Lille, on loan from Liverpool, and the England national football team as midfielder. He started his career with where he played more than 100 games during five years, until he left for Chelsea in 2003...
, and came on as a second half substitute in England's victorious opening game against Paraguay
Paraguay national football team
The Paraguay national football team is controlled by the Paraguayan Football Association and represents Paraguay in men's international football competitions. The team has reached the second round of the World Cup on four occasions . The 2010 trip also featured their first appearance in the...
. He was brought on once again in the match against Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago national football team
The Trinidad and Tobago national football team, nicknamed The Soca Warriors, is the national team of Trinidad and Tobago and is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. It reached the first round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals...
, when England scored two goals in the last ten minutes.
On 16 August 2006, Downing made his first start for England, as Greece
Greece national football team
The Greece national football team represents Greece in association football and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece's home ground is Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus and their head coach is Fernando Santos...
were beaten by 4–0, with Downing involved in three of the goals. He started the subsequent three Euro 2008 qualifiers, against Andorra
Andorra national football team
The Andorra national football team represents Andorra in association football and is controlled by the Andorran Football Federation, the governing body for football in Andorra. The team has enjoyed very little success due to the Principality's tiny population, the fourth smallest of any UEFA...
and the Republic of Macedonia
Republic of Macedonia national football team
The Macedonia national football team is the national football team of the Republic of Macedonia and is controlled by the Football Federation of Macedonia. Due to an ongoing name dispute, it enters international competitions under its country's provisional appellation as "FYR Macedonia"...
. His performances drew criticism from the press, with many stating that Downing was only being selected due to his friendship with manager Steve McClaren
Steve McClaren
Stephen "Steve" McClaren is an English football manager and former player.McClaren was previously manager of VfL Wolfsburg in Germany between May 2010 and February 2011, having left his post at Dutch side FC Twente, with whom he won the club's first Eredivisie championship in the 2009–10 season...
. However, Downing hopes to have proven many of his critics wrong after Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello
Fabio Capello is an Italian football manager and former player. He is the manager of the England national football team.Capello has the distinction of winning the domestic league title with every club he has coached throughout his career...
became the third successive England manager to give him an England cap, on 26 March 2008 in a 1–0 friendly defeat to France. He was also called up (alongside Middlesbrough teammate David Wheater
David Wheater
David James Wheater is an English footballer who plays for Bolton Wanderers. He is a centre back, although he is capable of playing at right back as well.-Middlesbrough:...
) for Capello's friendlies against United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
and Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago national football team
The Trinidad and Tobago national football team, nicknamed The Soca Warriors, is the national team of Trinidad and Tobago and is run by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. It reached the first round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Finals...
, where he received the nod ahead of Ashley Young. His performance justified his selection by contributing with the first two goals and won praise from the press who had previously slated his inclusion in the squad. A few months after Capello took charge of England
England national football team
The England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
, the Italian boss stated that he had been most impressed by Downing. He was chosen again by Capello to replace Aaron Lennon
Aaron Lennon
Aaron Justin Lennon is an English footballer who plays as a right winger for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and the England national team.-Early life:...
for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
on the 12 October 2010. His second season with Aston Villa saw him recalled to the England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Since his big money move to Liverpool Football Club, he is now considered a regular for England and has currently earned 30 caps for his country since his debut back in 2005.
Career statistics
|-|2001/02||rowspan="3"|Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
||rowspan="3"|Premier League||3||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||3||0
|-
|2002/03||2||0||0||0||1||1||0||0||3||1
|-
|2003/04||20||0||2||0||2||0||0||0||24||0
|-
|2003/04||Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
||First Division
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
||7||3||0||0||0||0||0||0||7||3
|-
|2004/05||rowspan="5"|Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
||rowspan="5"|Premier League||35||5||2||0||2||0||9||1||48||6
|-
|2005/06||12||1||5||0||0||0||9||0||26||1
|-
|2006/07||34||2||8||0||0||0||0||0||42||2
|-
|2007/08||38||9||5||1||2||0||0||0||45||10
|-
|2008/09||37||0||5||2||1||0||0||0||43||2
|-
|2009/10||rowspan="2"|Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
||rowspan="2"|Premier League||25||2||6||0||4||1||0||0||35||3
|-
|2010/11||38||7||3||0||2||1||1||0||44||8
|-
|2011/12||rowspan="1"|Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
||rowspan="1"|Premier League||13||0||0||0||1||0||0||0||14||0
264||29||36||3||15||3||19||1||334||34
264||29||36||3||15||3||19||1||334||34
Last Updated 27 November 2011
Club
Middlesbrough- League CupFootball League CupThe Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
- Winner: 2003–042004 Football League Cup FinalThe 2004 Football League Cup Final was played between Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough at the Millennium Stadium on 29 February 2004. Middlesbrough won the game 2-1 to clinch their first major trophy...
- Winner: 2003–04
- UEFA CupUEFA CupThe UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
- Runner up: 2005–062006 UEFA Cup FinalThe 2006 UEFA Cup Final was a football match that took place at Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, on 10 May 2006. The match was contested by Middlesbrough of England and Sevilla of Spain. Sevilla won the UEFA Cup with a 4–0 win.-Match details:...
- Runner up: 2005–06
- Player of the Season:
- Winner: 2007–08
Aston Villa
- League CupLeague CupIn association football, a League Cup or Secondary Cup generally signifies a cup competition for which entry is restricted only to teams in a particular league. The first national association football tournament to be called "League Cup" was held in Scotland in 1946/47 and was entitled the Scottish...
:- Runner up: 2009–102010 Football League Cup FinalThe 2010 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2009–10 Football League Cup, the 50th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League. The match, played at Wembley Stadium on 28 February 2010, was won by...
- Runner up: 2009–10
- Player of the Season:
- Winner: 2010–11
Personal life
Downing has been involved in several charitable and community projects outside his playing career. He supports the nationwide No Messin' campaign, along with freestyler Colin Nell and boxer Amir KhanAmir Khan (boxer)
Amir Iqbal Khan , is a British Pakistani professional boxer who is currently the unified WBA & IBF light welterweight champion....
, warning youngsters against playing on railway lines. Downing held a charity dinner with special guest boxer Ricky Hatton
Ricky Hatton
Richard John Hatton MBE, more commonly known as Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton, , is a former British professional boxer, and currently a promoter....
to raise funds for the Royal Victoria Infirmary
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Originally founded as the Newcastle Infirmary in 1751, the Royal Victoria Infirmary , in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, was opened on 11 July 1906 by Edward VII on of Town Moor given by the Corporation and Freemen. The fully furnished and equipped hospital, containing twenty wards, a nurses' home,...
in Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
in February 2008. The hospital had cared for Vicky, Stewart's sister, who died of leukaemia in 1993 at the age of 4. The honorary position of president of Middlesbrough Futsal Club
Middlesbrough Futsal Club
Middlesbrough Futsal Club is an English futsal club based in Middlesbrough in the North East of England, playing in The FA Futsal League North. The club was founded in 2007 and play their home matches in Thornaby-on-Tees a town in the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees....
was bestowed on Downing in December 2007. During his spare time Downing has DJ-ed at several nightclubs in Middlesbrough while also playing sets in Ibiza among other places.
Downing's former agent
Sports agent
A sports agent procures and negotiates employment and endorsement contracts for an athlete.In return, the sports agent generally receives between 4 and 10% of the athlete's playing contract, and 10 to 20% of the athlete's endorsement contract, though these figures vary...
Ian Elliott was arrested by Cleveland Police
Cleveland Police
Cleveland Police is the territorial police force responsible for policing the area of former county of Cleveland in north east England. The Cleveland Police area covers approximately and has a population of over 554,000....
in September 2008 after he was reported to the police by the player himself after he had concerns "regarding the way his and his company's affairs [had] been handled". He told Middlesbrough about his concerns some time earlier and the club advised him to involve lawyers and accountants to investigate, while The FA acted as liaison between the police and the club.
External links
- Stewart Downing profile at the Liverpool website
- Stewart Downing profile at the Premier League website
- Stewart Downing profile at The Football Association website