U21s defeat is agony for Taylor
STEVEN Taylor has kicked every ball of England's European Under-21 Championship campaign – despite missing the tournament through injury.
The Newcastle United defender – Stuart Pearce's captain – was ruled out with an Achilles problem, having been the lynchpin of England's defence through their qualification campaign.
And Taylor – back on Tyneside ahead of the start of pre-season training tomorrow – could only watch in frustration as his international team-mates capitulated 4-0 to Germany in last night's final in Malmo, Sweden.
Former Newcastle defender Pearce has been in regular contact with Taylor – who has 29 Under-21 caps to his name – throughout the championships.
"Steven played his part during the qualifying rounds of this tournament," said Pearce.
"Steven texted last night and I rang him and left a message.
"He's been following the tournament. People have a real buy-in to this group of players wanting to be successful, and that's nice to know.
"John Terry, Fabio Capello and David Beckham have also passed on their best wishes along the way."
Meanwhile, Taylor is hoping the uncertainty surrounding the ownership and managership of Newcastle can quickly be resolved, with a number of clubs – including Arsenal and West Ham – monitoring the 23-year-old's situation.
Taylor – who was the subject of a bid from Fenerbahce last summer, and could again interest Emre's club – will stay at St James's Park if Alan Shearer is appointed as manager.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
