This week we have heard a lot of talk about young Steven Taylor's England credentials, with just as much praise being aimed in Micah Richards' direction. For me, these two represent the future of England's central defence for years to come.

I remember Taylor's first appearance in black and white, playing as a makeshift right-back for Newcastle at the Reebok Stadium. It didn't take long that day to get over the initial apprehension about a player so young and unproven starting for us, as he showed what he was capable of even at such a young age. He has since matured and developed in to a defensive stalwart for the Magpies - his improvement has been one of the highlights of recent years, especially being a local lad.

There is little that is missing from his game. He is competent both on the ground and in the air, has vast amounts of composure and organisational skills for someone so young, and is built like a rock. He gives it his all for both club and country, will never shirk a challenge, and looks to me to be a natural leader. If he wasn't so young, he would probably have been in the running to take the captain's armband this summer.

'It will come as no surprise to Taylor's adoring Newcastle support that he is now being touted as a future full England international'

It is pretty difficult to make a name for yourself in Newcastle's defence, given how much the media attack it (unjustified at times as well), but he Taylor been a shining light for a while now and people are starting to take note, especially after his performances for the Under-21s in the summer. It is no less than he deserves, and I really don't expect it to be too long before he is playing for the senior England side.

Pair him with Richards, a player who looks like he has all the assets he will ever need, and in my opinion you have a defensive duo with huge potential. Richards for me is still slightly raw, but gets away with any positional mistakes thanks to his physical attributes. A fine player nonetheless, and add a bit of maturity and experience and you have another player who really does have it all.

The future looks bright for England's defence, and I for one am grateful that we have a part of that future playing at St. James' Park. Taylor has been one of the biggest highlights on Tyneside over recent years and it will come as no surprise to his adoring Newcastle support that he is now being touted as a future full England international.