Stewart Downing is backing Middlesbrough team-mate Jonathan Woodgate to earn an England recall sooner rather than later after his outstanding form this season.

Downing is set to start a fourth successive game for his country in Saturday's European Championships qualifier with Macedonia at Old Trafford. But the winger does not believe it will be long before Woodgate follows him back into the international fold if the defender maintains the standards he has shown since starting a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

Downing, 22, said: "The way Jonathan has been playing has been first class for us. But I spoke to Woody and he thinks he needs a few more games under his belt before he plays (for England). I think Steve McClaren is in agreement with him. But he is getting back towards England form. The manager has already stressed he was dead close to being in this squad."