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STEWART DOWNING last night described the instant respect Fabio Capello has gained from the England dressing room and suggests the Italian's early experimenting will eventually bring success to the national team.

Downing earned his first cap under Capello in Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against France in Paris, a performance which led to criticism of the way the team played.

But the Middlesbrough winger, due back to training with his club this morning, experienced a totally different approach to international football under the former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach.

Having also worked with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren since earning his first cap against Holland in February 2005, Downing has been encouraged by his early taste of life under Capello.

"The three days I spent with the squad were a lot tougher to what we have been used to in previous years," said the Middlesbrough winger.

"The strangest thing was that the manager did not name the team until an hour before kick-off.

"I like that, it's the way it should be. No-one knew they were playing, maybe Rio (Ferdinand) was the only one because he was captain.

"Under other managers, the team has been picked a day or two before the match. To know you are not playing when you have a day or two to train can leave you depressed, but Capello's way keeps everyone guessing and on their toes.

"It should be like that, it's more like club football and everyone is used to that way.

"Everyone should have to work hard during the week, with the team picked on the basis of the way everyone has trained."

It has not just been the way Capello selects his team that has impressed; with strict rules in place no individual is treated differently.

Downing said: "Training was definitely harder but he has made other, little changes that have all played a part, like the suits.

"We all had to travel to and from the game in suits instead of tracksuits. It's just little things like that which you notice.

"The feeling among the lads is that everyone respects the rules in place. If a meeting is called for 1pm, everyone will be there for ten to.

"Every member of the squad feels the same way, you can sense that."

After surviving the weekend cut, Downing was retained in the trimmed 23-man squad for the first time after a string of impressive displays for Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old was called into action at the expense of Joe Cole in the Stade de France, earning his 17th cap for his country and he has every intention of claiming many more.

And he hopes his latest appearance dispels the theory that he was only in previous England squads because he was a favourite of former Middlesbrough boss McClaren.

"That's the third manager who has selected me for England.

"Capello had never worked with me before, so I don't see how anyone can throw the McClaren thing at me again.

"I was pleased with how things went for me when I went on, but what he did say to us all was that we all have to keep playing well at our clubs. Whoever is playing well at club level will be called up."

When Downing entered proceedings, Capello changed from a three-pronged attack to a more orthodox system, with the man from Pallister Park operating as an out and out leftwinger.

And while he has played better in the Premier League this season, there were encouraging signs from Downing, not least the fact he was applauded by Capello for one foray forward in particular when he linked with Ashley Cole.

"It was only his Capello second game in charge and I think he is trying different things, different ways," said Downing.

"He has had two friendlies, there are another couple in the summer, and I'm sure he will keep trying different things out. "He will change the system, the players.

"He is ruthless, you can tell that, and he will not be afraid to make important decisions and try different things until he works out what he thinks is best."

Given that England do not play again until the summer, Downing is now concentrating on club matters.

Middlesbrough travel to Chelsea on Sunday, where a surprise victory should assure top-flight status again for next season.

Downing said: "We went to Arsenal and got a draw, we went to Manchester United and played well.

"So there's no reason why shouldn't go to Chelsea and be confident of getting a result.

"It's obviously a big game for Chelsea because they need to win to close the gap on United.

"Frank Lampard was really ill with England the other night and John Terry pulled up with a problem.

"So that could be two of their most important players out injured.

"We have to be looking to get something because it's a very big game for us as well."

2:02am Friday 28th March 2008

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