FORMER England boss Peter Taylor is confident the Three Lions can win the European Championships - despite his concerns about the defence.

England kick off their campaign against Serbia on Sunday.

And Taylor is certain Gareth Southgate's team have the players to go far in the competition.

" I'm always quite excited about our squad because it's a good, young, fit squad and it's about time we go and win something," said Taylor.

"I look at the majority of our players and I think they would all get into other country's teams.

"You look at Harry Kane, Foden, Rice, Bellingham to me they'd all get in the top teams.

"Whoever wins it to me those boys would get in their team and that's why I feel we're as a good as anybody and if Harry Kane is on fire we can win it, it's as simple as that."

However Taylor is less confident about England's defence.

With Harry Maguire sidelined with injury, at least one inexperienced centre-back will be thrown into the starting line-up.

And Taylor is concerned how that might go.

"That's my big worry," said the Thorpe Based based 71-year-old.

"John Stones is an outstanding player and if he'd played the last 25 matches for Manchester City I'd have been over the moon but he missed a few games and might not be match fit, especially as he's had an illness as well this week.

"Harry Maguire gets a lot of stick but you do need that bit of experience back there and we will miss him.

"I'm a big fan of Dunk and think he's a good player but the difference is we really rate our own players and don't respect the opposition.

"When you get to the Euros you will get tested and you'll definitely get tested at centre-half so I'm just a bit nervous about getting clean sheets."

And Taylor knows England will not have things all their own way "Germany in Germany will be dangerous," said the ex Southend United boss.

"They will have pressure on them but they seem to handle it. ’