LONDON, Dec 13 - Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart
Downing is set to make his England debut in a friendly against
the Netherlands in February, manager Sven-Goran Eriksson said on
Monday.
Downing, still only 20 and yet to even make the senior
squad, has been tipped as the long-term answer to England's
problems on the left flank.
"If he goes on like this, I think we should give him a
chance," Eriksson told Sky Sports News. "We have a friendly game
against Holland in February, I think he deserves that.
"He's a very interesting player. He can make things happen,
he can beat people and his left foot is very, very good."
A regular at Under-21 level for England, Downing has scored
five goals this season for Boro under manager Steve McClaren,
who is also a member of Eriksson's coaching staff.
England play the Dutch on February 9 at Villa Park.
Eriksson was more cautious about the Premier League title,
saying Manchester United could not be ruled out of contention
even though current form favoured holders Arsenal and leaders
Chelsea, who drew 2-2 on Sunday.
Asked if he had watched the future champions at Highbury,
Eriksson said: "I think so, but it's very dangerous to rule out
Manchester United, because you never know. It's not Christmas
yet.
"It was a very good game yesterday, I enjoyed all 90
minutes."
A goal by John Terry was a reminder of the Chelsea captain's
bid to force his way into Eriksson's starting line-up for their
2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Currently third in the pecking order behind Arsenal's Sol
Campbell and United's Rio Ferdinand, Eriksson is glad to have
the selection headache.
"The competition to play in central defence for England is
extremely hard, if we have all of them fit," Eriksson said. "I
hope Jonathan Woodgate will start to play for Real Madrid as
well.
"I'm very happy with the situation, it's good," said the
Swede. "I know that to have Terry on the bench, as we have done
for some games, is crazy, but that's life."