ENGLAND skipper David Dunn today told his Under 21 team-mates 'it's time to stand up and be counted' ahead of tonight's crunch European Championship battle with Portugal in Zurich.

Following Monday night's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Italy in Basel, David Platt's men need a victory to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals.

But Dunn is confident England's young lions can see the job through, providing they show the bottle necessary to overcome one of Europe's most powerful forces.

"At least we know exactly what we've got to do now and, if we are up for the challenge, then I don't see why we can't make it," said Dunn, speaking to the Evening Telegraph from the team's base in Switzerland.

"We know Portugal are a decent side because we played them recently in a friendly.

"But when you qualify for a Championship like this then every team you meet is going to be packed with quality players so it doesn't really matter who it is we are playing against."

Dunn -- who was recently placed on stand-by for the full England squad in case of any late injuries -- has been one of the Under 21s most impressive performers during their two group games so far.

It was the Blackburn midfielder who provided the cross for Gareth Barry's equaliser against the Italians on Monday.

But Empoli striker Massimo Maccarone ultimately upstaged the Rovers youngster with a breathtaking winner in the 84th minute to leave England's qualification hanging in the balance.

"I thought we were unlucky not to get a result on Monday but credit to their lad, he scored a great goal to win it for them," said Dunn.

"As far as I'm concerned, we were on top in the second half and I thought we'd go on to win it but football has a nasty habit of kicking you in the teeth and that's just what happened.

"But now it's all about showing we have the character to come back from that."

If England make it through to the semi-final stage then they are likely to meet France for a place in the final.