Taylor 'unknown' to Capello

Steven Taylor has expressed his delight at earning a call-up to the England squad after revealing that former boss Fabio Capello did not know what position he played.

Last Updated: 20/03/13 at 09:04 Post Comment   

Steven Taylor: Says Fabio Capello's snub dented his confidence

Steven Taylor: Says Fabio Capello's snub dented his confidence

The Newcastle United defender was added to Roy Hodgson's group on Tuesday after Gary Cahill was ruled out of Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino due to injury.

Taylor now has a chance to make his international debut, having been an unused substitute the only previous time he was included in an England squad - for a friendly under Steve McClaren in 2007.

He had hoped to gain recognition last season, before discovering that his performances had made very little impression on Capello.

"Last season Fabio Capello didn't come to watch Newcastle even when we had the best defensive record up to Christmas," Taylor explained.

"The gaffer, Alan Pardew, saw Capello at an event and told him: 'You should come and see Taylor.' Capello said: 'I'm all right for midfielders'.

"That did a lot for my confidence. It was almost back to the feeling I had when we got relegated.

"It killed me when we went down. Capello said he wasn't going to pick anybody in the Championship."

Taylor is thrilled that his hard work has paid off and he is determined to seize his opportunity if given the chance to impress.

He said: "It seems like a long time ago but I was called up in 2007 for a game against Germany and although I didn't get on the pitch, it was incredible just being around the England squad.

"I would run through brick walls to play for my country. It would be the proudest moment in my career and if it comes, I would be absolutely delighted, over the moon, call it what you want. You cannot get any higher than playing for your country."

Cozens.... You cracked me up mate... Great post
- altamont

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Coventry set take-over offer deadline

Coventry administrators set a deadline of May 31 for offers to take over the ailing club.

Michu eyes Swans improvement

Swansea forward Michu believes he will be even better next season if Michael Laudrup signs a top-class striker to play ahead of him.

Joey Barton hopes he can stay at Marseille rather than return to QPR

Joey Barton has reiterated his desire to stay at Marseille rather than return to Queens Park Rangers.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved