Switzerland 1-2 England

David Platt's Under-21s got off to the best possible start with a hard fought 2-1 win over hosts Switzerland in their opening European Championship group game.

The 'little and large' strike force of Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch got the goals in front of a noisy and partisan crowd in Zurich.  

Platt's boys set off brightly, with skipper David Dunn immediately imposing himself on the game, and starting the move that led to the opening goal after just two minutes.

The Blackburn midfielder found Jermaine Pennant in space on the right and his cross was met by Jermain Defoe who deflected the ball past keeper Nicolas Beney.

England pressed on, and their next chance came when Alan Smith, playing in midfield tested Beney with a long-range strike after 17 minutes. Dunn then saw a 25-yarder fly narrowly wide, and Crouch also went close.

The main disruption to England’s progress in the first half came from the early booking for Sean Davis. The Hungarian referee then continued to penalise the Fulham midfielder and Platt Jer decided to avoid any further potential trouble by sending on David Prutton for Davis 11 minutes before half-time.

Switzerland served notice just before half time of the pressure they would increasingly bring to bear in the second half, when star man Alexander Frei set up a chance for Cabanas.

Switzerland continued to press after the break, but it was England who got the crucial next goal on 53 minutes. After Crouch was fouled, Dunn curled his free-kick into the defensive wall, but the ball ricocheted to the giant Aston Villa striker, who stabbed it past Beney for his first Under-21 goal in his third appearance.

England's joy was short lived, though, as Frei sent a stunning 25 yard free kick past a helpless Robinson and into the top corner.

Frei nearly bagged his second goal after 73 minutes as the red shirts piled forward, but having beaten Robinson, his shot could not beat Luke Young and Chris Riggott on the line.

Platt shuffled his pack in an effort to retain the lead, but it took a brilliant double save from Robinson to deny first Cabanas and then Melunovic five minutes from time to keep the Swiss out.

To cap a good night for Platt, Italy and Portugal drew 1-1 in the other game in group, giving England an early advantage ahead of their next match, against the Italians on Monday.

After the game, David Platt gave credit to Switzerland for their performance. "The Swiss gave us a very difficult game and I hope for our sake that they can go on," he said.

"They're not out of the competition, and if they can perform with that kind of spirit in the next two games against Italy and Portugal, it will certainly make our job a little bit easier."

England U21: Robinson, Young, Riggott, Barry, Konchesky, Pennant, Davis (Prutton 34), Dunn, Smith, Crouch (Ameobi 78) , Defoe (Parker 63).

Switzerland U21: Bener, Meyer, Magnin, Grichting, . Keller, Friedli, Melunovic, Zanni, Cabanas, Alexander Frei, Berisha.