FORMER Middlesbrough midfielder Stewart Downing has been handed his first England call-up for two-and-a-half years after impressing for West Ham United.
Downing last played for the Three Lions in a 1-0 friendly win over Norway in May 2010 – Roy Hodgson’s first game in charge – and he will be in the squad for the upcoming games against Slovenia and Scotland next week.
The 30-year-old has been in blistering form for the Hammers and his cross for Enner Valencia’s goal on Saturday was the 28th chance he has created this term.
West Brom’s Saido Berahino has also won his first senior cap.
The striker has netted eight goals in 13 outings for the Baggies, as well as helping England Under-21s reach the European Championship Finals.
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has named Middlesbrough duo Ben Gibson and Patrick Bamford in his England Under-21 squad.
Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles, on loan at Nottingham Forest, is also in the line-up.
The Young Lions take on France and Portugal next week.
England Squad
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster, Ben Foster, Joe Hart
Defenders: Leighton Baines, Gary Cahill, Calum Chambers, Nathaniel Clyne, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling
Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Michael Carrick, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Raheem Sterling, Andros Townsend, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott
Forwards: Rickie Lambert, Wayne Rooney, Daniel Welbeck, Saido Berahino
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