St James’ Park centre-back Steven Taylor could make England World Cup squad.
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Newcastle United defender Steve Taylor is under consideration for a call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad.
The 27-year-old Taylor has yet to be capped by England at full international level, but was included in a squad to face Germany in 2007 but did not actually make the final line-up or substitutes bench.
But England manager Hodgson is considering the option of bringing Taylor into his squad for the remaining World Cup qualifiers with defensive options limited at present with Rio Ferdinand out of favour and John Terry having retired from international football.
Former England under-21 captain Taylor has impressed Hodgson with his form since returning from an Achilles injury, which has coincided with an upturn in Newcastle United’s fortunes, and he could yet become a full international.
Chelsea’s Gary Cahill, Everton’s Phil Jagielka and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott have been regular selections under Hodgson, while young Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have also played at the heart of the England defence.
“It would be great to get back into the England squad and like any Englishman to represent your country would be the pinnacle of your career,” Taylor told Sky Sports. “It has been a frustrating time for me with the injuries and time out of action, but now I am fit and feeling good.
“All the talk of playing for England is flattering, but first and foremost I want to help Newcastle and do my best for the club.”