Downing: England Was a Closed Shop Under Mcclaren

Stewart Downing believes Fabio Capello has turned the England squad into a meritocracy rather than the closed shop that prevailed under Steve McClaren.

"In the past I always felt that the team was picked before we met up," he admitted. "But I don't think there are any automatic choices any more and it doesn't matter who you play for; if you are good enough you will get in."

Downing, 24, turned out for both Middlesbrough and England under McClaren but felt that players from teams involved in the Champions League were automatically favored. "Fabio Capello is very fair and you get the feeling that if you play well you will get in the team," insisted the winger who was included in the squad announced on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to the chance to be involved against the Czech Republic at Wembley tomorrow."

Downing also welcomed the improved discipline introduced by the Italian coach, who oversees his last friendly before his first competitive fixture against Andorra in a World Cup qualifier next month. "It's a very professional set-up when you are with the squad and that is the way it should be," he said. Dismissing talk that Capello's rules and regulations were pedantic and even intimidating, Downing added: "I wouldn't say its frightening, it's an atmosphere of respect. It's not like a boarding school, it's enjoyable and the coach will have banter with you. His English is fairly good - better than what you might think from watching him on the telly."

Currently blossoming under Gareth Southgate's management at the Riverside, Downing, who made his England debut against Holland in 2005 and will win his ninth cap if he features tomorrow, was recently the subject of an offer from Aston Villa. It was immediately turned down by Steve Gibson, Middlesbrough's chairman, who told the Midlands club the winger was not available "at any price". Gibson subsequently sold them Luke Young instead.