Position: Midfielder
Born: 22.07.84
Club: Middlesbrough

Although Joe Cole's form for England has largely ended the constant mention of a 'left-sided problem', a long-term solution lies with a more traditional left winger and Stewart Downing is the most likely candidate.

He still looked like being one for the future until becoming another of Sven-Goran Eriksson's surprise inclusions in his squad. It was Boro's exhilarating run to the UEFA Cup final which pushed him into the reckoning - with Steve McClaren sure to have argued his case.

Middlesbrough's Academy system has flourished in recent seasons under McClaren and Downing is unlikely to be the only Teesside product to play for his country in the years to come.

He made his Boro debut back in April 2002 and after Bolo Zenden had moved on from the Riverside, he was given the chance to make the left-wing berth his own.

Downing impressed at Under-21 level and made his senior debut as a second-half substitute in a goalless draw against Holland at Villa Park in February 2005.

He was hoping to really make his mark on the England squad during the tour to the United States last May, but was forced to go home when he suffered an injury in training.

Although he started the season for Middlesbrough, a series of setbacks and niggles continued to plague Downing for the rest of 2005 and it was not until January that he played football again.

But he was soon catching the eye, scoring in a shock 3-0 home win over Chelsea and playing a memorable role in famous Riverside wins over Roma, Basle and Steaua Bucharest in the latter stages of the UEFA Cup.

Downing will offer England genuine width if he gets the chance to play at the World Cup and the experience will be of enormous benefit if, as expected, he becomes a regular squad member under McClaren.