Taylor for England!

Back on the England scene Steven Taylor has finally been called up to represent the England senior team following the withdrawal of Gary Cahill from Roy Hodgson's squad.

I'd just like to congratulate Steven on this and must say that it's been overdue going by his performances in recent weeks. I'm sure he won't be reading this but still...

Personally I can't think of many other English defenders in better form right now and I feel he should have been called up originally rather than as a result of other players pulling out of the squad. If players such as Rio Ferdinand and Gary Cahill hadn't pulled out then it's unlikely Taylor would have got the call which is harsh on a lad who has performed well since his return from injury.

However Taylor now has the chance to impress the right people within the England camp. He's been given the chance and now it's up to him to show that he is capable of performing at a level which will make him a consideration for future squads.

Taylor has been involved with the senior England side before having been called up against Germany in 2007. He didn't feature in that game and has since drifted away from the international scene after long involvement with England at youth and U21 levels. If he plays any part in the forthcoming games against San Marino or Montenegro it will be his first full England cap although you could argue that injuries have perhaps prevented from already featuring for his country.

As a United fan I'm made up for him. I'm not too fussed about the England national team generally after events in recent years, but having one of your own players in there makes a difference and I, for one, will be watching to see if Taylor gets a chance to impress at international level.

Best of luck Steven!