Dunn disappointed by England U-21 defeat

England Under-21 captain David Dunn could not hide his disappointment after his side slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Portugal…

England Under-21 captain David Dunn could not hide his disappointment after his side slipped to a 3-1 defeat against Portugal and out of the European Championships.

A draw for David Platt's side might have been enough to reach the semi-finals, and a win would certainly have handed them a place in the last four.

But Filipe Teixeira and Aziza Makukula's penalty put Portugal 2-0 up inside the first 20 minutes, to leave England with a mountain to climb.

And although Leeds striker Alan Smith pulled one back two minutes before the break, a third Portugal goal from Hugo Viana put an end to England's stay in Switzerland.

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"All the lads are gutted," admitted the Blackburn midfielder. "Credit to them, they are a good side, but we were off the mark today. It's disappointing."

England beat Switzerland 2-1 in their opening game, but then lost to Italy on Monday to leave them with it all to do tonight.

Dunn added: "We started well against Switzerland and played quite well in that game. "If you start games badly, sometimes it costs you."

PA