By Paul Holmes
September 30 2002

Portsmouth midfielder Paul Merson has backed team mates, Matthew Taylor and Nigel Quashie to gain England caps. Merson has seen the curtain come down on his international career but is keen to see his new team mates fulfil their potential.

"I can't think of a more influential left-back in world football than Taylor apart from Roberto Carlos.

"We have tightened up his defensive game and when he goes forward he's every bit as good as Ashley Cole.

"As for Nigel, I hope he does not look back on his career one day and wonder why he never played for England."

Quashie has represented England at Under-21 and 'B level during his days at Nottm Forest. Taylor has just broken into the Under-21 team.