Steven Taylor's guide to his pals

SCOTT CARSON

(Goalkeeper, Liverpool)

Future England No 1, I'm sure of it. He's got the lot. Outstanding shot-stopper and gives it some welly, if it needs the big boot. Gets merciless stick but dishes it out, too. Just loves the banter.

JUSTIN HOYTE

(Defender, Arsenal)

If youcan get in Arsenal's side at his age, you've got to be a bit special. Fantastic technique and positional sense, and very quick. Quiet lad but always comes out of his shell with us. It's that kind of squad.

LEIGHTON BAINES

(Defender, Wigan)

The great escape with Wigan, and don't we know it. Can't shut him up. Never yet seen a winger get past him in a one-on-one and only Matt Taylor can match him from 30 yards with his left peg.

ANTON FERDINAND

(Defender, West Ham)

Flash so-and-so to those who don't know him, but the real Anton is more down to earth than that. Even happy to be seen out with a daft Geordie like me so he can't be that bad. Some defender, too.

GARY CAHILL

(Defender, Aston Villa)

Great lad, but once that Brummie accent gets into overdrive, you've got no chance. Can't understand a word he says at times, but he's built like a brick outhouse so you don't like to tell him to his face.

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NIGEL REO-COKER

(Midfielder, West Ham)

One thing I can't work out — has anyone in football got a bigger forehead? It's massive. Known as Akon because he has such a resemblance to the R&B singer. Born leader who keeps everyone's spirits up.

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE

(Midfielder, Tottenham Hotspur)

So good to see him grow in confidence with every touch on Tuesday. Repeatedly went past his marker as if he wasn't there and showed what a threat he can be. Nightmare for leftbacks in that mood.

JOE HART

(Goalkeeper, Manchester City)

No one could blame him if there were a few early nerves against Slovakia, but the way he settled down and helped win the penalty shoot-out showed he will be an asset in Holland. Quiet but down to earth.

BEN ALNWICK

(Goalkeeper, Tottenham Hotspur)

Known as teeth' because they tend to be more yellow than white. Probably can't help it, but it doesn't take much for a nickname to stick. We're going to club together and present him with a tube of Colgate.

KIERAN RICHARDSON

(Midfielder, Manchester United)

It was agreed before the Slovakia game that, if we got a penalty, whoever got his hands on the ball first would take it. Kieran did and that says everything about his confidence, as did the kick itself. Cool as you like.

DAVID NUGENT

(Forward, Preston North End)

Might have been disappointed with missed chances against Slovakia but was just pleased with the win, which says everything about him. Always has a smile on his face, which reflects the enjoyment he gets from playing.

ASHLEY YOUNG (Forward, Aston Villa)

Answers to Pinhead, not willingly but he hasn't got much choice. His head is tiny so what does he expect? Takes it all in his stride, and when you've got a stride like his, you can afford to. Ripped Slovakia to shreds with his pace.

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LEROY LITA

(Forward, Reading)

What about the goal celebration on Tuesday! Showed what it meant to him, even though the game was already safe. So quick and direct that even if he's not scoring, he's winning you freekicks in dangerous areas.

LIAM ROSENIOR

(Defender, Fulham)

What is it with southerners? Don't they ever shut up? Any banter, he will be in the middle of it. No cliques in this squad, and he's one of the reasons. Will talk to anyone.

JAMES MILNER

(Midfielder, Newcastle)

You will have to have seen the film Waterboy to get this, but everyone calls him Bobby Boucher'. Always drinking water. Whatever he is doing, and it is usually a computer game, there is always a bottle of Evian by his side.

TOM HUDDLESTONE

(Midfielder, Tottenham)

Gentle giant off the pitch but fearsome presence on it. So much going for him with his incredible range of passing and long-distance shooting. Has every chance of becoming a midfield great.

MARK NOBLE

(Midfielder, West Ham)

One of the reasons West Ham stayed up. Tevez got the credit, but it was Mark's return to the team that coincided with their amazing transformation. Small but gets stuck in and has a keen eye for goal.

MATT DERBYSHIRE

(Forward, Blackburn)

Hails from Great Harwood and has an accent that is true to his roots. Broad Lancashire. But it's just too good to miss, and he gets the full aye-oop' treatment from the rest of the lads.

NEDUM ONUOHA

(Defender, Man City)

Seems to have come from nowhere this season, but is in on merit. What a powerful lad. Very good defender who looks a natural right-back and won't let anyone down. Has fitted into the squad easily.

JAMES VAUGHAN

(Forward, Everton)

There are few funnier sounds than Vaughany trying to come across as a Scouser. All right, he's been on Merseyside a few years, but he's a Brummie. He has a Birmingham accent, but the odd word comes out Scouse. You can't help laughing.

PETER WHITTINGHAM

(Defender, Cardiff City)

Is there any more chilled-out character in the game? Which is why we call him Bothered'. He looks really bothered! Great passing ability and one of the most technically gifted players in the squad.