Taylor A Giant Amongst The Kids!

Last updated : 17 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

The England Under-21 side LOOKED Under-16 as they seemed uncomfortable in front of the cameras on the line-up ... but Taylor stood there showing the look "BRING IT ON!"

His idol is John Terry and the same 'never say die' attitude was in his eyes.

Coach Stuart Pearce hailed his skipper, and the cutting edge of his youngsters in their 3-0 win over the Republic.

Two goals from Mark Noble and a deflected effort from James Milner ended the contest as early as the 25th minute.

Pearce: "It wasn't easy. But we took our chances when they arose. I think we created our own good fortune.

"It was not one-way traffic so we made it easier with our finishing.

"There were one or two scares but we had that cutting edge on the break.

"I was delighted with the performance. They were sensational.

"Whenever you take the field against an Irish team and you are wearing the Three Lions, you know what you are going to get from the opposition.

"We matched them for endeavour and had the cutting edge.

"I told the players this was as close to a derby as you will get, here in Ireland and the games against Wales and France. And they played it like a derby, and the defence, with Taylor outstanding, held them off".

Noble lobbed home the first in the 10th minute after Darren Randolph fumbled, then he beat the goalkeeper with a crisper finish seven minutes later.

Milner sealed the win in the 26th minute when his effort was deflected in off Darren O'Dea.