The Middlesbrough defender today met up with his England colleagues, ahead of Thursday's Under-21 match with Wales, at Wrexham – even though he is struggling with badly damaged ribs.

Luckless Taylor has been struggling in the dying weeks of the season, after taking a knock in Boro's exciting 2-2 draw with the Premiership champions at the start of last month.

It was another blow to the left-back, who spent nearly two months out, with a foot problem, midway through the season.

Last summer he was forced to pull out of England's squad for the European Under-21 Championship, after requiring toe surgery.

"I've missed a lot of Under-21 internationals in the last couple of years and I'm determined not to miss this one," he said.

"I've been in loads of squads but I've had to pull out with injuries.

"The manager (Stuart Pearce] has always rang me each time and he's known about my situation.

"I could have pulled out this time, but I really want to play and I'm available for selection if he wants to play me.

"I got an elbow from Ronaldo when we played them at the Riverside and it broke two of my ribs.

"I've played since, but I missed the last two matches, our wins against Portsmouth and Man City which was disappointing.

"The gaffer (Gareth Southgate] has taken me out because of my ribs.
"I was gutted but deep down I know it was the right decision.

"It only takes one bad knock in the wrong place and I could end up with a punctured lung.

"I could have played on Sunday and I was on the bench in case he needed me, but the gaffer didn't want to risk it.

"It was a bit of a sickener to see the boys win 8-1 and play so well and not get on."

Taylor, who will be joined in the Under 21 squad by Middlesbrough team-mates Lee Cattermole, Adam Johnson and David Wheater plus Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter, is looking forward to the match at the Racecourse Ground.

"It should be a good game and a good atmosphere," said the 21-year-old.
"It's supposed to be a friendly, but I'm not sure how much of a friendly!

"With it being Wales v England I'm sure it will be very passionately fought, particularly as a lot of the lads on the teams will know each other."