The England Under-21 captain and his team-mates take on Portugal in their final European Championship qualifier.

And while Kevin Keegan's resignation as Magpies manager last night is grabbing all the headlines, Taylor knows he must concentrate on the job in hand.

Stuart Pearce's side need a win or a draw to ensure they top their qualification group and claim a place in the play-offs for the tournament, which is being held in Sweden next summer.

Taylor – grateful to Keegan for the faith he has shown in him since returning to Newcastle in January – has been closely following events at St James's Park from the Under-21s training camp.

But when he pulls on the England shirt and captain's armband for his 26th cap, he will only be focused on his country and what is the biggest game of his international career.

Taylor – who has sat out England's last three friendlies – missed the Under-21s game at Wembley against Italy last May, but got a taste of the new Wembley when he was called up into the senior squad for the fixture against Germany early last season, though he did not get on the pitch.

"Obviously, the game's at Wembley, and there's no bigger stage," Taylor told the Gazette. "It's a chance to play for my country, and when you walk out with the Three Lions on your shirt, you feel so proud.

"It's a great moment when you get that captain's armband. It makes you feel three inches taller.

"Words can't describe how good it feels. I'm very proud to lead the lads, especially when we've got so much quality.

"I missed out when the Under-21s played Wembley as I was coming back from injury, but I was in the squad for the Germany game, and it was the best feeling warming up at Wembley.

"It was a fantastic experience, and makes you want it more and more."

The 22-year-old went on: "I'm looking forward to it. It's a big game, and we need a win or a draw to win the group. We don't want to finish second. With the squad we've got, there's no reason why we can't.

"We've got a winning mentality, and the Under-21s have a great record. It's up to us to keep that going."

With the Under-21s trailing 1-0 to an early penalty, Taylor was forced off at half-time in the away qualifier against Portugal last November.

Pearce's side fought back to claim a crucial point from a 1-1 draw.