Capello thought I was a midfielder - Newcastle defender Taylor

Mar 20, 2013 8:05:00 PM

The 27-year-old has been called up for the Three Lions’ upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers and has recalled how the Italian dented his hopes of playing for his country

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has revealed one of the reasons he never got an England call-up during Fabio Capello’s spell in charge of the Three Lions was because he thought he was a midfielder.

Taylor has been called up for the Three Lions’ 2014 World Cup qualification double-header against San Marino and Montenegro after Chelsea’s Gary Cahill picked up an injury.

However, he has revealed ex-England boss Capello left him deflated after getting his playing position wrong when talking to Magpies boss Alan Pardew, with Taylor comparing it to the feeling he experienced when the Magpies were relegated.

"Last season [Capello] didn't come [to see Newcastle] when we had the best defensive record up to Christmas," he told reporters.

"The gaffer went to some event and Capello was there and he said: 'You should come up and see Taylor'. And 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."

And having captained England at Under-21 level, Taylor is determined to do perform to his capabilities and impress if given the opportunity to win his first full cap.

He added: "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. I will be there.

"You cannot get any higher than playing for your country."

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