Steven Taylor wants to emulate his hero John Terry by captaining an England team to victory this weekend, with the under-21s kicking off their European Championship qualifying campaign in Montenegro.

The Newcastle defender says he admires the way Terry plays through the pain barrier and admits it inspires him.

''I've seen so many games with the bandage on his head, every few games he gets cut and has to wear it,'' said Taylor. ''It shows how much he loves it. I've seen him have stitches in his ankle and carry on. There's not enough of that.''

Steven Gerrard has been this week's main injury concern for the seniors with his injured toe, and Taylor sympathises having played extra-time of the Under-21 European Championship semi-final barely being able to walk because of an ankle injury.

''There are so many English players out there who would give and arm and a leg to put on the shirt with three lions,'' he said.

''We were down to 10 men in that game and I wouldn't have come off if they wanted me to.

''Steven Gerrard will play through the pain barrier and it shows how much is means to him.''

Taylor's leadership during the finals in Holland led to comparisons with Terry and also earned him the captaincy for the 2009 campaign.

Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce said: ''I see similarities between the two players. Even in training he fights to keep every ball out of the box. We talk about leaders of men down the years. These people normally have something in common which is leading by their actions.''

Taylor's leadership will be tested in tonight's clash in Podgorica, with excitement building over Montenegro's first competitive match at home after gaining independence.