West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has admitted that he never expected to be included in Roy Hodgson's latest England squad.
The 30-year-old was named in the 26-man party this afternoon for the Three Lions' Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia and a friendly against Scotland later this month.
Downing, who moved to Upton Park from Liverpool in 2013, last featured for England two years ago, but has earned his way back into the fold following an impressive start to the season for the Hammers.
"I'm obviously over the moon," Downing told West Ham TV. "If I was being honest I didn't think I'd get picked, so to get picked is obviously a big thing for. I just need to keep playing well for West Ham and hopefully I'll get a couple more caps when I get away.
"These are very big games. Slovenia is a qualifier and you could say Scotland is a friendly, but I don't think we'll class it as a friendly. It'll be a tough game, but is one we want to win. I'm looking forward to being involved. I want to be involved, get a few more caps and put some performances in."
Downing has 34 international caps to his name.
Danielle Joynson
