Taylor targets Euro glory

England U21 captain eager to vanquish bad memories

Last updated: 2nd December 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Taylor targets Euro glory

Taylor and Pearce: Planning for success

There is no reason we can't play to our potential and win the competition.

Steven Taylor on Euro 2009
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Steven Taylor insists England do not fear any opponent at Under 21 level ahead of Wednesday's draw for the 2009 European Championship.

Manager Stuart Pearce will be in Sweden to watch his side come out of the hat, but captain Taylor is not concerned.

The Newcastle defender believes he and his team-mates possess more than enough quality to defeat any rival from fellow finalists Sweden, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belarus, Finland and Serbia.

Taylor was part of the England side which dramatically lost to Holland on penalties in the semi-finals in 2007 and, after eliminating Wales in the play-offs, he is eager for a second chance for glory.

"It has made me more hungry, it has made me want it even more," Taylor said when asked about the heartbreak against Holland, which was England's last defeat in all fixtures.

Strong

"Luckily it's my second chance and I want to come away with a winner's medal.

"This squad is stronger than the one we took to Holland. There is no reason we can't play to our potential and win the competition.

"The only thing in our heads is to win. We came so close last time and [against Wales in the qualifying play-off] we showed how much it means to us to go on and do well.

"It's a massive target. We don't worry about any other side given the quality we've got to go and win games.

"Why should we fear anybody? There is no-one out there we fear."