THE NATIONAL press finally gave Stewart Downing some credit after his outstanding display for England last night - although a few did so through gritted teeth.

The country's best selling newspaper, The Sun, named Downing Man of the Match, as did the Northern Echo and both the BBC and ITV websites.

All the other papers showered rich words of praise on the 24-year-old, who has often been unfairly singled out for criticism after his performances for the Three Lions.

However, the Mail, which before the game sneeringly questioned what Fabio Capello could learn from playing Downing, tried to save face by grudgingly reporting that "the jury is still out" on the player.

During the game, ITV pundit David Pleat claimed the Boro man has a poor goalscoring record - clearly not realising the winger topped the club's charts last season with 10.

The former Spurs boss did go on to speak highly of his overall display.

Downing has now won caps under three successive England bosses - Sven-Goran Eriksson, Steve McClaren and Fabio Capello - and is just four appearances short of Wilf Mannion's all-time club record.

The comments below are taken from the comments on Downing in the papers' player ratings panel, except where stated.

Sun: "This was his best game for England. Showed pace to beat defenders on the run. Had the confidence to have a real go, which has been lacking in his previous internationals. Unlucky not to score with a searing shot on the stroke of half-time and did good work tracking back all night. Our star man - 8/10."

Mirror: "His corner led to Matthew Upson's goal and he also had a fierce shot well saved. He was a real positive for England on the night - 8/10."

Star: Brian Woolnough's Berlin Verdict - "There is certainly a place for Downing if he can grab it. Capello has kept faith with him and last night the Middlesbrough winger showed flashes why. He is a player who needs encouragement and his confidence will grow with the more chances he gets."

Independent: "Impressive on the left. Close with free-kick - 8/10."

Independent chief sports writer James Lawton - "(Terry) headed in the late winner from a free-kick by Stewart Downing, one of several Englishmen who seemed to grow a little more in composure, and stature, throughout the game."

Times: How They Rated (George Caulkin) - "Made a predictable, if harsh, scapegoat for England's sticky World Cup qualifying start away to Andorra in September, but the Middlesbrough winger had more salubrious surroundings in which to express himself last night. While there will always be those who object to his lugubrious manner, Downing created both goals in Berlin. Had a shot beaten away on the stroke of half-time in his best performance for England - 7/10"

Oliver Kay - "The Middlesbrough winger has frequently looked out of his depth in the hazardous waters of international football - hence the cruel nickname 'Drowning' bestowed on him by members of the press pack - but here, perhaps a little more comfortable in the absence of some of the bigger names, he was confident in everything he did."

Times' Talking Tactics - "The absence of so many midfield players allowed Fabio Capello to select Stewart Downing and Shaun Wright-Phillips, wingers playing in their natural position. Downing seldom performs as well for England as for Middlesbrough but having a left-footed player whose first instinct is not to come inside offered the side greater fluency and balance in the first half."

Guardian: "Far more threatening than Wright-Phillips', winging in the ball for Upson's goal and forcing Tim Wiese to save a second half free-kick. And a stinging half-volley on half-time from a newly confident player - 8/10."

Daily Mail: "Worth another look - Jury is still out on the Boro winger, whose best moment was a 25-yard screamer parried by Adler just before the break. Wide with another drive in the second half, and looked like a player who can thrive when offered, like last night, the freedom to roam - 7/10."

Itv.com: "Man of the match. A constant option on the left who linked up well with Bridge, providing a threat with long-range shots and set-piece delivery - 8/10"

Telegraph: Henry Winter's match report - "When Downing capped a terrific display with a pin-point delivery from a free-kick, Terry rose regally to head home. Downing brought speed, trickery and delivery to the left flank."

Express: Match report - "In midfield, Downing caught the eye."

Man of the Match

Sun: Stewart Downing
BBC fans' Player Rater: Stewart Downing 7.89/10
itv.com: Stewart Downing
ITV studio vote: Matthew Upson
Mail: Gabriel Agbonlahor
Mirror: Gareth Barry

See Stewart and the boys in action as Boro take on Bolton at the Riverside on Saturday. Click here to buy tickets online