Taylor talks up England's chances

England left-back Andrew Taylor is hoping the UEFA European Under-21 Championship could be the tournament which finally brings success to an international career that has been tinged with dejection.

Finals hurdle
One of the most experienced members of Stuart Pearce's squad in terms of tournament football, the Middlesbrough FC defender was part of the squad that lost in the European U17 Championship semi-finals in 2003 and then reached the U19 final two years later. Both campaigns ended in disappointment and, though England have not claimed the U21 trophy since 1984, Taylor sees no reason why this cannot be their year. "We've got to be confident, especially as we only conceded one goal in our qualifying group," he told uefa.com. "I love tournament football, it's got a very different atmosphere to qualifiers or friendlies. I've been lucky enough to be involved with England for a few years now, I played in the U17s and U19s and went away with the U20s to the World Cup in 2003 as well. Those experiences stay with you. With the U19s we got so, so close, but to get so close and lose is horrible. I can't think of anything worse. It's not a nice feeling and we don't want it this summer."

'Special bond'
The likes of James Milner and Martin Cranie have also progressed through the England age groups alongside Taylor, who recognises the importance of squad unity. "You grow up with a lot of the lads and that helps the squad as a whole, so it's a nice bond," he said. "It's one of the positive things to come from the training camps before the tournament because you're with each other that much. When you're away with England you finish training but you're still with each other all day and all night; obviously you've got the ups and downs of a tournament which brings everyone together. That brings a special bond."

Pearce respect
Central to that is Pearce and Taylor is relishing the opportunity to study one of England's most celebrated left-backs at close quarters. "When he says anything you've just got to listen," he said. "He was one of the great left-backs the country's ever had and his experience and knowledge is invaluable. I feel privileged to work with him because it's only going to benefit me. He wore he heart on his sleeve, he gave 110 per cent in every game he played and he's like that as a manager now. What he's done in the game is where, ultimately, we all want to be. That brings respect, as does his passion for the game and his passion for England."

'Complete team'
Finland, Spain and Germany will offer stern opposition in Group B, but Taylor reflected the confidence coursing through the England camp, saying: "If we play our best we can beat anybody. We know it's going to be difficult but who knows? The main thing is us as a team, what we can do and how we can affect the game, but we always do a bit of homework on the opposition because you'd be stupid to think you're too good to do that. It's important to look at who you're playing, but ultimately it's what we do on the day. With England we're usually the better team and a lot of teams are worried about us attacking-wise. We've always got options on the ball, pace everywhere and can score goals from all over the pitch. We've got a pretty complete team."