http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429 player for a place in England’s starting eleven in the Euro 2012
competition.
Downing, who was named in the Three Lions 23-man party for the tournament by manager Roy Hodgson along with Chamberlain, started ahead of the Gunners winger in England’s friendly match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Norway-c2974 at Oslo in May, but was substituted in the second half.
In the next friendly game against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/France-c2899, the former West Bromwich Albion boss is reticent over hinting
his possible starting line-up in the opening game.
Nevertheless, the 27-year old Liverpool player mentioned he was unfazed despite facing tenacious competition from the juvenile winger for a starting place, and lauded the impact made by the 18-year old at such a young age.
While talking to reporters, he said: “He’s an exciting player, who can run with the ball and it is good competition for me. He keeps me on my toes and whoever the manager decides to go with then we’ll just have to keep fighting for our place.”
Downing, who has capped 34 international appearances for the Three Lions so far, made his professional debut for England against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Germany-c2904, in which he featured in the
matches against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Trinidad-and-Tobago-c3024.
Having represented England at the grandest of stages in the international arena at a tender age of 21, the former Aston Villa player revealed he was aware of the excitement and nervousness that will be present amongst the young players, ahead of the European
Championships.
Apart from Chamberlain, players like Andy Carroll, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-Welbeck-c10233 and Jordan Henderson will all be competing in their first international tournament.
Downing remarked, “When I went to the World Cup in 2006 it was certainly very exciting for a first tournament, so I understand what the young lads will be going through.”
He went on to offer his helping hand to all the inexperienced lads in the squad, and was also glad to see the inclusion of Liverpool’s young duo of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Martin-Kelly-c24395 and Jordan Henderson in the crew.
He added, “Martin Kelly and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jordan-Henderson-c19102 have got to be very excited and it’s a great experience for them.”
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