Stewart Downing is an English Midfielder born on July 22, 1984. Fondly called as, “Stewey Downey”, he has earned seven international caps to his credit for the England national U-21 football team during 2004-05. Stewart Downing made his debut for the England national football team as a second-half substitute in a friendly against the Netherlands played at Villa Park in February 2005. He was included in the 2006 World Cup Squad, where he was a second-half substitute in England's victorious opening game against Paraguay. On August 16, 2006, he made his first start for England against Greece, in which his national side won the match 4-0. Stewart Downing played at the EURO 2008 qualifiers against Andorra and Republic of Macedonia.
A graduate of the Middlesbrough F.C. Reserves and Academy, his association with the club dates back to his schooling days. Stewart Downing made his debut in a Premier League game away at Ipswich town on April 24, 2002. He scored his first senior goal in a 4-1 League Cup victory over Brentford football club. In 2003, Stewart Downing was sent on loan to Sunderland A.F.C in order to gain experience. He was called back to Middlesbrough F.C. and he earned a place in the starting eleven list. He made 49 appearances, scoring six goals, as well as providing numerous assists during the 2004-05 season. Due to a knee injury, he took a break to from his football career at the end of 2005. He made three assists in the 4-2 win over FC Steaua Bucure?ti, a Romanian football club, in the semi-final second leg at the2006 UEFA Cup and went on to play in the finals.
On February 26, 2008, Stewart Downing signed a new five-year contract with Middlesbrough F.C. that will keep him with club until 2013. He became the clubs’ longest serving player after the departure of Mark Schwarzer in May 2008. As of 2008, Stewart Downing has made 184 appearances for the club scoring 20 times.
Stewart Downing is an active member of the ‘No Messin’ campaign, which is a drive to warn youngsters against playing on railway lines. In 2007, He was conferred with the honorary presidency of Middlesbrough Futsal Club in a move to raise awareness about Futsal, an indoor version of association football, particularly in Middlesbrough. He plays as a DJ at Middlesbrough’s top nightclubs, including Purple Onion.
