Downing has been named by Sven Goran Eriksson in a 23-man squad, however, the squad is only provisional with five players also named on stand-by.
Boateng has now been named in a preliminary 28-man squad by Marco van Basten, having previously being named in a preliminary 33-man squad.
Both squads will be reduced to 23 by 15th May. After this date changes can only be made on medical grounds.
Mark Schwarzer and Mark Viduka are also expected to named in the World Cup squad for Australia.