FORMER England manager Peter Taylor believes nobody will want to face the current Three Lions team in the World Cup.

England have won their first two group games in Russia and thrashed Panama 6-1 on Sunday.

And the Benfleet-based Taylor - who bossed England against Italy in 2000 - has been impressed by Gareth Southgate side’s start to the competition.

“I’ve been delighted by the two results and I don’t think anybody will want to be playing England now,” said Taylor, who also spent three years in charge of England’s under-21s.

“Obviously the bigger challenges will come in the knockout stages, but I wouldn’t want to play England because they’re young, fit, honest and hungry.

“There’s good spirit within the team and there’s no individuals.

“They all attack and defend together and it’s been great to see.”

However, Taylor - who also played for and managed Southend United - is keen for the Three Lions to keep their feet on the ground.

“We can’t go overboard and I’m sure they won’t because for 45 minutes I thought Panama were a disgrace on Sunday,” said Taylor.

“They seemed to be more interested in elbowing and kicking our players and it was more like a rugby match than a football one.

“I think someone must have warned them at half-time because the second half was different, but it was a good win for England."

And Taylor was also happy to see Harry Kane bag a hat-trick in the convincing victory.

“I worked with Harry for England under-20s back in 2013 and he is the loveliest fella you could meet,” said Taylor.

“He doesn’t need many chances to score and anyone who knows him will be pleased to see him doing so well.

"Moving forward who knows what can happen?

"It's a bit like the FA Cup really."

However, closer to home, 65-year-old Taylor is preparing a return to management with Dagenham & Redbridge.

“I never thought I would be going into the National League at this stage of my career but I’ve always liked the people at Dagenham,” said Taylor.

“They have a few financial problems at the moment but, with my experience and contacts, I’m confident we can build a team cheaply.”