IF England have got a problem in midfield then the solution is easy - give David Dunn his chance.

With just three of England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson's seven midfielders fully fit in his provisional 23-man squad for the World Cup, then it is high time to call in cover.

And Blackburn Rovers' David Dunn has got to be that man after his showings in the UEFA Under-21 championships in Switzerland.

While others may clamour for more experienced heads, Ray Parlour for one appears to popular among the pundits, Dunn's cool leadership of David Platt's Under-21 side has been exemplary and that should win him a call.

Dunn has gained consistently high marks for his performances over England's three games - and he was plainly upset by his side's exit after losing 3-1 to Portugal last night.

However, his disappointment did not effect his demeanour as he gave a measured view of the defeat in a post match interview.

It is perhaps Dunn's image as much as his play that could earn him a call from Eriksson.

Dunn, while playing well, has not been the man of the tournament for England Under-21s - that player has got to be Leeds United's Alan Smith.

Smith, who can operate in attack or midfield, scored against Portugal to top yet another fine display in which his high level of skill was matched by his tenacity, bravery and sheer refusal to be beaten.

However, Smith showed again last night why his chances of a regular full England place may be slim, especially under Eriksson who appears to prefer a quiet life.

During the second half Smith was involved in a touchline incident with Portuguese substitute Miguel.

Smith reacted to what he felt was a clumsy and late challenge by kicking out at Miguel's legs as he passed.

The Portuguese player in turn reacted, and that was perhaps fortunate for Smith as the referee dismissed the incident as six of one and half a dozen of the other rather than being left to deal with Smith alone.

But as much as his actions, it was the look on etched on to Smith's features that perhaps was the cause for most concern.

His face twisted in anger and hatred, he spat a few choice words in Miguel's direction after the referee had wandered away, and while his temperament remains this taut there will always be a question mark against Smith despite his obvious talent.

So if Eriksson has to bolster his midfield - and one would feel he has to - then Dunn is the man.

Go on Sven give him a go!