Steven Taylor thought England call-up was a prank

Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor has admitted that he thought it was a prank when he was called to join up with the England squad.

The 27-year-old was handed a place in manager Roy Hodgson's squad due to an injury sustained by Chelsea centre-back Gary Cahill.

"I was lying in bed watching TV and my phone rang," Taylor told the Shields Gazette. "I didn't recognise the number, so I didn't answer.

"My phone went again and I answered it. I thought it was someone taking the mick. I thought one of the lads had got their missus to ring me."

Taylor will be in the squad for this Friday's World Cup qualifier against San Marino, but Cahill will face a fitness test ahead of Tuesday's match against Montenegro.