Here are the first extracts from the exclusive LeagueManagers.com interview with Leicester City and caretaker England manager Peter Taylor. There will be more to follow over the next few days as Peter talks about his experience in the England set up and the prospects for working with the new full-time manager Sven Goran Eriksson when he eventually takes charge of the national side.

First of all though, this was Peter’s analysis of the narrow loss to Italy in Turin, his first game as England manager:

“The thing that impressed me on the evening was that players were willing to accept the ball and pass the ball around. I know it was a friendly and that perhaps they weren’t tested as much as they could’ve been but for a lot of the players it was still their first game for the seniors, or one of their first, and it was a big test. There were no senior boys around to pull them through, with the exception perhaps of Gary Neville and Gareth Southgate. So to me they all came out of the game with a lot of credit. They believed in what we were trying to do and I think we looked like a good football team that night and I can’t believe for the life of me that we didn’t get a penalty.”

Peter chose to play a 3-5-2 formation against Italy, which, he explained, was largely to ensure that England were not overrun in midfield. However, there was one player who also had a significant impact on his tactical considerations.

“I was comfortable playing the 3-5-2 formation, but the biggest plus for me was Rio Ferdinand. He’s got exceptional talent and I think Rio is happier with a couple of centre halves around him as well. I was desperate to play Rio as a middle man and I felt that Gareth Southgate and Gary Neville on either side would be able to help him out with their experience."

Commenting on whether Leeds United are taking a gamble by agreeing to pay West Ham £18million for the young defender, Peter said:

“I don’t think there are any risks in the actual ability of Rio. Of course if you spend £18 million and somebody gets injured then there is a risk. But talking about the actual ability of him, for a player who plays at the back who can defend and can head it, there is no doubt about that. On his day I have seen him compete with Duncan Ferguson and he is certainly quick. He is very mobile and intelligent enough to be able to pass it or run it out of defence. That’s the beauty of Rio, so I can understand why David [O’Leary] has gone for him. You know, if Leicester City had the money, I would definitely pay £18 million for him. If we had the money and that’s what it would take to get the type of player I wanted, then it would have to be done. I’m sure Leeds have looked at that. The fee might seem heavy for now but in two years time no one will think about it.”