The in-form West Ham United midfielder was included in the Three Lions' 26-man squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Slovenia and the international away in Scotland.
Former Middlesbrough and Liverpool man Downing won the last of his 34 caps back in May 2012, but after revelling in a new central role for the Hammers, he is hoping to add to his tally during the upcoming weeks.
England v Slovenia
European Qualifier
5pm, Saturday 15 November
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
"I'm obviously over the moon," Downing told WHUFC.com. "If I was being honest I didn't think I'd get picked, so to get picked is obviously a big thing for me. I just need to keep playing well for West Ham and hopefully I'll get a couple more caps when I get away.”
He continued: "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.
"The way I've been playing and performing, I thought I was in with a chance and credit to the manager because he has picked me.
"He has obviously been watching our games and now I just need to put a performance in and stay in the squad."
Having been deployed as a winger in his previous outings for his country, the 30-year-old is hoping to continue his rich vein of form in the middle of the park for England – and he is already targeting a place at a third major international tournament.
Downing last played for England in May 2012
“Playing in new and different positions can help and that's probably why I've been picked. Where Roy sees me playing I don't know but I'll find out when I get there.
"I'm enjoying playing in the middle, so if he plays me there and I can carry on my form I've been producing at West Ham, hopefully that'll be good enough."
He added: “First and foremost, I need to do well when I get the chance because there will be other players looking to get into that 23 and it will be difficult to stay in there.
"I've got to give Roy something to think about by playing well and taking my chance - I can play in a few positions so hopefully that will help my cause."
Tickets for England's meeting with Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday 15 November are still available. Visit www.TheFA.com/tickets to buy online.
