 Downing played under Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough |
Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing has said newspaper reports that suggested he had criticised England boss Steve McClaren were taken out of context. The winger was quoted in Sunday's papers saying he felt he was singled out when he was dropped for October's Euro 2008 qualifier in Croatia.
"I do not deny that quotes attributed to me were accurate," said Downing, 22.
"But I was disappointed by the way what I said was sensationalised and taken out of context."
Downing came to prominence with a series of impressive displays under McClaren while playing for Middlesbrough.
 | In no way did I intend to criticise Steve McClaren |
He was included in former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad and came off the bench in three of the matches in the tournament. He was in the starting line-up for McClaren's first game in charge for the friendly against Greece in August because Joe Cole was injured and Downing stayed in the side until he was omitted for the 2-0 defeat in Zagreb.
Downing added: "I would like to make it clear that in no way did I intend to criticise Steve McClaren or offend any of my England team-mates.
"The truth is that I was disappointed to be left out of the team for the game in Croatia, but I am determined to bounce back and claim a regular place in the national side."
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