Despite breaking his foot two years ago, Downing has forced himself back into the England squad although he did admit that he feared for his future.
Aston Villa midfielder Stewart Downing is now a happy man, having pegged himself back into the England squad after the 26 year-old admitted that a foot injury two years ago could have brought an end to his international football chances.
Downing made his debut back in 2005 but inconsistency and injuries saw him being left out of the frail. But his good form for Aston Villa has seen him force his way back into contention for a spot in the national team.
"When I was injured for a long time and missed a lot of football and England games, other people came in and took their chance. Credit to them. For me, personally, it wasn't good.
"I came back, got into a squad after my injury which was a boost, and then wasn't picked again for a long time. I thought maybe my time had gone with England. The only thing I could do was play well enough to get back in and that's been proven.
"I'm not sure if I'm going to start at the weekend [against Switzerland] but I certainly enjoyed my last performance against Ghana. There are certainly places up for grabs.
"There's obviously great competition among the players who are up against me but you've got to grab your chance when you get it, because someone else will come in and take your place.
"If I play on Saturday then brilliant and I'll have to be ready to play well and take my chance again. Every time you turn up for England you're constantly proving yourself so you've got to be on your toes."
Downing made his debut back in 2005 but inconsistency and injuries saw him being left out of the frail. But his good form for Aston Villa has seen him force his way back into contention for a spot in the national team.
"When I was injured for a long time and missed a lot of football and England games, other people came in and took their chance. Credit to them. For me, personally, it wasn't good.
"I came back, got into a squad after my injury which was a boost, and then wasn't picked again for a long time. I thought maybe my time had gone with England. The only thing I could do was play well enough to get back in and that's been proven.
"I'm not sure if I'm going to start at the weekend [against Switzerland] but I certainly enjoyed my last performance against Ghana. There are certainly places up for grabs.
"There's obviously great competition among the players who are up against me but you've got to grab your chance when you get it, because someone else will come in and take your place.
"If I play on Saturday then brilliant and I'll have to be ready to play well and take my chance again. Every time you turn up for England you're constantly proving yourself so you've got to be on your toes."
