STEWART Downing hopes to earn his first England cap of the Fabio Capello era in Paris tonight, with Middlesbrough's George Boateng claiming his team-mate is the best left-winger in the Premier League.

Downing was retained in the shortened 23-man squad on Saturday night, when Capello removed David Wheater from a provisional 30-name pool.

The inclusion of Downing has been the reward for his excellent form since the turn of the year, having initially been overlooked for England's first friendly under the Italian last month.

His omission led to many suggesting that it could have marked the end of his international career, having been unfairly portrayed as a Steve McClaren favourite under the previous two regimes.

But, having witnessed two exceptional displays from Downing at close hand in the last four weeks, Capello is keen to have him involved and there is every chance he will be given a slice of the action at the Stade de France tonight.

And Boateng, who has witnessed the 23-year-old's progression from academy prospect to England international, is not surprised - just amazed that there is debate surrounding his inclusion.

David Beckham's return to the squad has opened up a selection headache on the right of midfield, while Joe Cole is widely regarded as an automatic choice on the opposite flank.

But the arguments will rage as to whether David Bentley should retain his place ahead of Beckham, and Boateng's call for the inclusion of Downing will receive little support.

The Dutchman, though, firmly believes the Riverside Stadium's prize asset deserves to be given a chance to shine under Capello, particularly after being able to concentrate on his football having signed a new contract recently.

"There was lots on his mind and he was disappointed with missing out last time but he's now got his contract sorted and he's playing well," said Boateng. "He has the left foot to be an England first choice. Along with David Bentley, they are the best two crossers of the ball in the Premier League.

"He's quick and he's probably come on more than anyone in my time here. All the academy players who've made it to the first team squad, Stewart's their role model. He's down to earth and when we look at his statistics they're amazing. He'll get through 13km in a game on Wednesday and do the same on a Saturday."

Given the long-running interest from Tottenham, Downing's game should have been affected more by the disruption the speculation caused.

In many respects, however, it actually helped to bring the best out of him and that has continued after agreeing the new five-year contract last month.

Boateng said: "Stew had a dip with the interest shown in him and with his contract not being sorted out sooner but since he signed he's played exceptionally well. He's a threat. Sometimes I play right full-back in training and I don't like playing against him."

Given how Wheater was left out in the end, Downing is the only Boro player to be named in the England squad, with Jonathan Woodgate sold to Tottenham in January.

But Boateng is confident that Wheater can eventually force himself on to the international stage - with the 2010 World Cup a definite possibility.

"It was just great for David to make the squad at this stage," said Boateng. "He has a good chance of playing in the next World Cup. He has to look at the bigger picture. The door is open for him, can he perform well to get through that door."

Midfielder Lee Cattermole and defender Robert Huth are both battling to be fit for Sunday's trip to Chelsea after pulling out of their respective international squads.

Cattermole had to withdraw from the England Under-21s for last night's friendly with Poland with a knock he suffered in training, while Huth's foot problem prevents him from returning to the Germany team against Switzerland tonight.