Downing disappointed by McClaren axe
Downing will hope to force his way back into the England side
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Sunday, 29, Oct 2006 11:49
Middlesbrough winger, Stewart Downing says that he was disappointed to be made a scapegoat by Steve McClaren after England's recent draw with Macedonia, in comments he made to The News of the World.
Downing said that he was told that the change was for tactical reasons and was amazed when assistant coach, Terry Venables, told the media that his non-selection was due to the player being affected by criticism.
He said: "I explained to the manager that I wasn't happy and that if I was to be dropped other players should be as well."
Explaining that it was not a selfish plea he said: "I know I shouldn't worry about other players but it's all for one and one for all. If one's dropped then the rest should be."
The Boro man said that he spoke to McClaren and pointed out that he had experience in the formation the England manager wanted to use against Croatia during the pair's Uefa cup campaign last year.
While the boss agreed he chose not to select him anyway, a decision that Downing maintains he respects but cannot agree with.
He said that Ledley King was the only player to shine in the Macedonia game and that he and Wayne Rooney should not have been singled out.
Downing described his omission as a "missed opportunity", but that he took comfort from the senior players who said that they had been in similar situations.
McClaren has been in touch with Downing since according to the Middlesbrough man, and told the player that he is still part of his plans.