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 curious as to what image Real Madrid are trying to re-establish as I always thought their pre-Jose image was one of a bunch of a classless bullies tapping up whoever they wanted while living it large on borrowed money they're never going to pay back.

john matrix
Perez Will Spend Big To Forget Jose...

A

t the start of the season, after the RVP transfer, I confidently claimed that Arsenal would finish above United. I now regret it immensely.

Fuzzy_Dunlop
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

D

aniel Storey generally did very well, going against the City won it last year so they're bound to win it this time grain. As for John Nicholson, I wouldn't trust him to predict correctly what day of the week it will be tomorrow.

Griff
Reflecting On The F365 Pre-Season Predictions

Footer 365

Titus Bramble confirms exit from Sunderland via his personal Twitter account

Sunderland defender Titus Bramble has confirmed his exit from the club after three years at the Stadium of Light.

UEFA to impose 10-match European ban for players and officials found guilty of racism

UEFA has ratified a proposal to impose a 10-match European ban for players and officials found guilty of racism.

Hodgson's plea to supporters

Roy Hodgson has urged England fans not to sing "religious or political" songs during the friendly with the Republic of Ireland.

Mail Box

More Scared Of Losing AVB Than Bale...

We thought we would have to resort to another mailbox about maths but we've had some grand opinions about Man United, Newcastle, Tottenham and more. Oh and maths...

An Ode To Rafa And Loads More Mails...

We have one Chelsea fan who recognises the job done by Rafa Benitez while there's maths from Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester. And Shawcross to Arsenal? Nah...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved