BLACKBURN defender Martin Taylor is ready to answer David Platt's SOS as England Under 21s kick-off their European Championship campaign against Switzerland in Zurich tonight.

Taylor was forced to ditch his holiday plans after receiving a shock 11th hour call-up to the England squad following Ledley King's late withdrawal through injury earlier this week.

But, though the 6ft 5in Rovers' stopper was as surprised as anyone to get the nod, he is ready to seize his chance with both hands.

"I thought someone was winding me up when I got the call to be honest," laughed Taylor, 22, who has previously won just one U21 cap.

"I was planning a quiet summer and a few nice days away with my family when this came totally out of the blue.

"After winning the Worthington Cup with Blackburn and finishing tenth in the league, this caps off a great season for me and I'm going to enjoy every moment."

Taylor looks set to be named on the bench tonight but, with England facing the possibility of five games in a short space of time if they make it all the way to the final, the Rovers youngster looks set to get a chance at some point during the next fortnight.