Football: Taylor is confident of success
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.PETER TAYLOR, the England Under-21 coach, is confident of success in tonight's European Championship qualifier against Poland at The Dell despite the loss of his main striker, Emile Heskey.
Taylor admits that the withdrawal from the squad of the Leicester player because of the recurrence of a back injury will be a problem, but believes his remaining forwards, Matt Jansen, Jason Euell, Michael Bridges and James Beattie can breach the Polish defence.
"It is a loss with Emile being out. If he had been fit and playing regularly he would have been in the senior squad because he's such a good player," Taylor said. "If we could have had him at 75 per cent of his capabilities he would still have been a handful for Poland, but we still have several good strikers in the squad. James Beattie did well in the second half against France and put himself about. It might be the sort of night where we've got to try and frighten the opposition a bit.
"This is a very experienced squad with a lot of players who are now playing regularly in the Premiership. There is a good spirit and the boys are up for the game," Taylor said.
England will virtually secure their place in the last 16 if they defeat Poland after winning their opening three group matches against Sweden, Bulgaria and Luxembourg.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments