Platt: Under-21 manager (JamieMcDonald/Allsport)

The Blackburn midfielder was drafted in by coach Sven Goran Eriksson after Kieron Dyer was ruled out because of shin splints.

Dunn's promotion ahead of the friendly against Portugal on Saturday comes after he captained the Under-21 side last season.

He got the call today just as Platt's squad were assembling ahead of their match against Yugoslavia at Bolton on Friday.

Platt said: 'David's situation is another reminder that if you perform well, the England manager is not frightened to go and take young players.

'I have known David personally over the last 12 months and got on with him very well.

'Obviously I've spoken to Sven about him. I consider David as a friend.

'I think he was fully behind what we were trying to achieve last year.

'He was an excellent captain and I am now delighted he has an opportunity to step up.

'He has got undoubted ability. I saw him train at close quarters with very good players and he stood out.

'What he has got to learn is that his ability will carry him through. Sometimes he tries to work too hard.'

Eriksson took time out today to watch the Under-21s train at The Cliff ahead of Manchester United's match tonight.

It was a nice touch by the England coach and one that Platt and the players appreciated.

'It shows that Sven has one eye on the squad. I think the players know there is a close relationship between me and him,' said Platt.

'We are talking all the time about players. The squad can see the amount of players who have gone up into the senior squad from the Under-21s.'

Platt has named a 23-man squad for the friendly at the Reebok Stadium, which he sees as good preparation for their opening European championship qualifier next month.