The Boro defender, Hartlepool-born and bred, is one of four Boro players in Stuart Pearce's squad – they are joined at Wrexham by Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter.

And Taylor, battling to be fit after a rib injury, had glowing praise for his Boro colleagues, Lee Cattermole, Adam Johnson and David Wheater, who will captain England tonight, and the club's youth set up.

"All the lads have had good seasons and it's great for all of us being in the England squad," said the 21-year-old.

"And it definitely goes to show how good Middlesbrough's Academy is at bringing through players for the club and for England.

"Not only are the four of us away with the 21s, Wheats and Stewy Downing are in the full England squad for the two internationals against America and Trinidad & Tobago.

"We're all local lads who have come through the system and that speaks volumes for Boro."

Four of Boro's international quintet were involved in Sunday's phenomenal 8-1 thrashing of Manchester City at the Riverside.

Downing struck twice – a first-half penalty and a screamer of a volley in the second period – while Easington-born Johnson also netted, with the aid of a deflection.

Taylor was unlucky to be sat on the bench, where he was protecting his rib injury, but still marvelled at their record Barclays Premier League victory.

"Not bad was it?" smiled the left-back. "I don't know whether we'll ever beat 8-1 again.

"I don't want to speak too harshly about Man City, but they were not properly up for it.

"But that wasn't the only reason why we scored eight goals – we played some excellent football.

"Once their lad (Richard Dunne] was sent off, they looked done for.

"We did play well though and there were some great goals, Stewy's volley was unbelievable and Fabio Rochemback's free-kick was spectacular too.

"It was a great way for the team to finish the season and we'll be looking for a good night tonight."