Is Steven Taylor really good enough for England?

Steven Taylor has earned many plaudits this season owing to his performances in the heart of the Newcastle defence this season.

Quite rightly too in my opinion. We're finally starting to see the Steven Taylor that we'd hoped we would end up with after he burst onto the scene all those years back. It's taken time, but we could be seeing the coming of age of the Greenwich born adopted Geordie.

I remember last season, when Taylor was on the verge of returning from injury, Alan Pardew came in for a lot of stick (nowt unusual) for mentioning the words "England" and "Steven Taylor" in the same sentence. It was something along the lines of getting back in the England frame, which caused much amusement amongst a lot of fans.

Well here we are a few months later and lo-and-behold there is actually some genuine talk linking Steven Taylor with a call up to the England team. This talk started when Stuart Pearce was apparently sent to Loftus Road on Monday night to run the rule over a few players, and our very own Steven Taylor was one of those that apparently caught the eye.

To add further momentum to Steven Taylor's England train, Alan Pardew has once again backed the defender and claims that the 25-year-old is playing the best football of his career and would be deserving of a call up should one come his way.

I do happen to think that Steven Taylor has come on in leaps and bounds since the back end of last season. The lasting memory before that was of a drama queen that had a penchant for dropping a clanger at the back. His long injury lay off didn't help that, but to his credit he has established himself as the as THE first-choice defensive partner with Fabricio Coloccini.

Is he good enough for England though? I, personally, have my doubts.

In the next few years there should be some openings in the England setup. Senior tossers players like John Terry and Rio Ferdinand will be getting on and will need replaced. Could Taylor be able to put a foot in the door?

With players like Phil Jones, Phil Jagielka, Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill coming to the fore I feel that it will be tough for Taylor to get a look in, but I do feel that there is a chance, however slim, of Tayls being given a chance.

The main thing is that he needs to carry on doing what he is currently doing at Newcastle first and foremost. Keep solid, cut out the mistakes and theatrics, stay injury free and become consistent. If he can do that then I see no reason why he can't at least be called up for England and get the chance to show what he is capable of.

That's just my opinion though. Really, I want to know yours!