Middlesbrough: Ben Gibson on track for England call-up, believes Stewart Downing

Downing, an international from the recent past, has said that Gibson is destined to follow him into the England team

Gibson could become one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history (Getty)

It made a refreshing change for Gareth Southgate to watch a Premier League match featuring so many players eligible to play for England.

In truth, few of the 17 English players who spent time on the pitch will feature in his international plans, but Southgate's return to the club he once managed was far from a wasted journey.

England's caretaker-manager did receive an update on Jack Wilshere's progress at Bournemouth along with confirmation of Ben Gibson's assurance in the defensive slot he once occupied at the Riverside.

And there was the bonus of witnessing one of the best goals the Premier League will produce this season from Gaston Ramirez, who sadly from Southgate's viewpoint, is a Uruguayan.

Ramirez solo's burst from inside his own half and measured finish put Middlesbrough ahead in the 39th minute and Stewart Downing confirmed their first home win of the season with a second goal 11 minutes into the second-half.

Downing, of course, is an international from the recent past and the midfielder believes Gibson is destined to follow him into the England team.

“It’s not often you get an England manager at the Riverside to be honest! Ben has done himself no harm," Downing said.

“Ben has been a consistent performer and that’s what he needs to do. Gareth knows him better than anyone because of the Under-21s, he will know he keeps improving and these last couple of clean sheets will have done him no harm.

“Ben is vocal. He is a leader. He has been captain here a few times already, he knows the game already and his performances have been really good. Gareth knows his qualities so no doubt he will pick him if he deserves it.”

Downing found the back of the net to make it 2-0 on Saturday (Getty)

Wilshere may have to wait a little longer for any international comeback though. Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe talked up the player on loan from Arsenal and he was certainly influential in the opening half when his vision created a chance for Josh King, whose shot was diverted onto the bar by keeper Victor Valdes.

Wilshere was visibly tiring towards the end as he completed the full 90 minutes for the second time this season, although Howe said: "There were positives such as Jack’s performance.

"I thought that was his best game for us. He’s improved again from last week. He’s going to need to perform at his best levels to get an England recall. I certainly think the way his improvement has been seen under us there are good things ahead for Jack – if he can stay on the pitch.”

Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1): Valdes 7; Barragan 6, Chambers 7, Gibson 7, Friend 7; Clayton 6, Forshaw 6; Traore 6 (Fischer 90,5), Ramirez 8 (Leadbitter 63, 5), Downing 7; Negredo 6 (Rhodes 85,5). Subs (not used): Guzan (gk), Fabio, Bernardo, Nugent.

Bournemouth (4-4-2): Boruc 6; Smith 5, Francis 5, Cook 6, Daniels 6; Ibe 7 (Fraser 60, 5), Arter 5 (Gosling 73), Surman 6, Wilshere 7, King 8; Wilson 5 (Afobe 60, 6). Subs: Federici (gk), Ake, Gradel, Mings.

Referee: Stuart Attwell 7