ENGLAND skipper David Dunn today insisted 'we can still make it' after David Platt's Under 21s crashed to a disappointing defeat at the hands of Italy in the European Championships last night.

Two goals from exciting young Empoli striker Massimo Maccarone condemned Platt's young lions to a 2-1 defeat in Basel.

And now England must beat Portugal in Zurich tomorrow night to stand any chance of qualifying for the last four.

"It was disappointing to lose like that after such a good result against Switzerland on Friday but we still believe we can make it," said Dunn.

"When we equalised I thought we had a chance of going on to win it but Italy are a good side and there's no shame in losing to a goal of that quality."

Maccarone, a target for several leading Premiership clubs, had fired the young Azzurri in front in the 58th minute only for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to equalise soon afterwards following great work from Dunn. But Maccarone then brought the house down with a breathtaking winner in the 84th minute to leave England's qualification in the balance.

"We know it's going to be difficult against Portugal but we've got to go into the game with confidence," said Dunn.

David Platt, the England manager, knows that the fate of his team remains in their own hands and will today start the task of lifting them for a make-or-break showdown.

"We didn't want to use the safety net that we had against Portugal after winning our first game, but it's there and we know that, if we win our final game, we qualify for the semi-finals," said Platt.

"What has happened elsewhere is irrelevant at this moment in time.

"Some of the results so far have been quite strange.

"Yes, the French have won two games, but you wouldn't back against many of the others.

"There are eight good teams out here.

"Portugal played extremely well against Italy and maybe deserved to win.

"Then they've gone up against Switzerland and in the first 20 minutes, could have been 2-0 up.

"But then Switzerland got better and better and better and run out 2-0 winners. It's as close as that."

The result aside, Platt was happy with many aspects of the game, although Sean Davis picked up a second booking for the tournament and will miss the clash with Portugal, while Alan Smith, Paul Konchesky and Jermain Defoe were all cautioned and Italian defender Daniele Bonera was sent off at the death for aiming a blow at Davis.

Platt was particularly pleased with Barry, who not only scored a fine goal but looked far from out of place on the left side of midfield.

"Gareth's played down that side for Aston Villa the majority of the last three months," he said.

"I think he's played left side of midfield more than he's played at the back, so I had no qualms about asking him to play there."

Platt walked into a disappointed dressing room after the final whistle, an atmosphere in marked contrast to the one which greeted opposite number Claudio Gentile.

"The first game we played against Portugal, we were a little bit tense," Gentile said.

"But this evening, the players felt the responsibility of the game and they have found the team spirit and won in the right way."

Gentile will now send his side out against Switzerland tomorrow night brimming with confidence, and Swiss boss Bernard Challandes will not be taken in by his assessment of the task that lies ahead.

"What I wish is that it will be a beautiful game where football decides who wins the game," said Gentile.

"This game is important for both teams."

Italy 2 England 1