England Under-21 defender Steven Taylor is desperate to make an impression on the European Championship after watching the draw against Czech Republic from the stands.

The Newcastle centre-back was suspended for the Group B opener at Arnhem's Gelredome but is expected to return for tomorrow's clash against Italy.

''It's been a double frustration from my point of view,'' said the 21-year-old. ''Having to sit in the stands and look on was disappointing; I hate not playing and being involved in games.''

In a frustrating first week in Holland, Taylor admitted there has been an element of boredom between training sessions.

Anton Ferdinand was also out of action against the Czech Republic with a groin injury, but he could also be back against Pierluigi Casiraghi's side.

Taylor added: ''I've been involved with the qualifiers, but when you come to the big games, the first one of the tournament and you can't be involved, it's a massive kick in the teeth. The feeling is horrible not to play.

''We know we've got to win the next two games and we're confident we can do that. If you look at the ability we've got, there's enough to get the results that we want.''

Taylor believes England did enough to beat Czech Republic, even before Leroy Lita missed a late penalty.

He added: ''It's a shame for Leroy as well, he's a great lad and had the guts to get up and take the penalty, but when you look at the game we had the chances before that to get the three points.

''Leroy's full of confidence at the minute and has been scoring all the time in penalties. It takes a lot of courage for someone to get up and take a penalty in that situation but unfortunately it just didn't happen.''

Taylor believes England are still among the favourites saying: ''The squad's as good as any other in the tournament and we're not scared of anyone.''