ROVERS star David Dunn is set to lead England Under 21s out at Ewood Park in Friday's crunch match with Greece after being included in the squad for the European Championship qualifier.

But coach David Platt has been dealt a double injury setback.

Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Ipswich Town defender Titus Bramble have been forced to withdraw through injury.

The squad has been reduced to 23, although Platt has no plans to look for any replacements.

The squad was training at Blackburn Rovers' Academy today after checking into its East Lancashire base this morning.

Hargreaves' pull-out will be a particular disappointment for Platt after senior coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had given the go ahead for him to face the Greeks.

He had won his first cap in the friendly international with Holland at White Hart Lane and then came on as a substitute in the 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich in a World Cup qualifier.

That had ensured that Hargreaves, who was also eligible for Wales and Canada, was committed to England.

Eriksson had wanted him to play and gain more experience of international football with the Under-21s rather than have a bit-part in the World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford on Saturday.

But that hope has now been dashed and, with Bramble also withdrawing, the squad has been reduced to 23, although Platt has no plans to look for any replacements.

Sven-Goran Eriksson believes that Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick will reap the benefit from playing in Friday's vital Under-21 European Championship match against Greece at Ewood Park.

The England coach insists it is a better option for the midfield duo rather than having a bit part in the World Cup clash between the two nations at Old Trafford the following day.

Carrick misses out on his first senior squad since Eriksson took over as England coach while Hargreaves reverts to the under-21s after featuring in the internationals with Holland and - as a substitute - against Germany.

Carrick has made only five under-21 appearances while Hargreaves has still to start a competitive game for the side. But it will further strengthen coach David Platt's options for the Ewood Park clash which England have to win to make sure of a place in the last 16 play-offs.

Platt told PA Sport: "If you look at the squad it would have been strong without these two players but their inclusion adds to the strength.

"Sven said that they had not played many games at full level and, rather than being on the bench or even in the stands. He thought it was better for them to get a game in.

"It will be good for them to play international football. If Sven picks up any injuries up during the build-up to Saturday, he might pinch one of them back but that is not a problem."

He added: "We have more options than we need in the squad but that is better than the other way around."

Without taking anything for granted, Platt admits he is already casting an eye towards next summer's European Championship finals and the invaluable experience his squad would gain.

If England finish in the top two in their group, they will go into a two-legged last 16 play-off in November with the eight winners contesting the finals from May 16 to 28 at a venue to be decided.

Platt said: "When I took over my goal was to win these three games in the qualifying group but now we have to look further afield.

"Even now I am looking forward to the European Championships and I think it will be a disappointment if we don't get there.

"The players have more than enough ability to get there - and enough ability to win it."

The inclusion of Blackburn midfielder David Dunn in the squad after missing the previous two internationals through injury could give Platt a captaincy poser but he is unconcerned.

His first choice skipper, Chelsea defender John Terry, is still suspended after being sent off in the first meeting with the Greeks in Athens and Aston Villa's Gareth Barry has worn the armband in his absence.

But Dunn is Platt's official vice-captain and logic would suggest that he would lead out the side on his own ground.

Platt said: "We have to see what 11 we put out on Friday but it is not difficult to find captains at international level.

"There are normally six or seven candidates in a team at international level. Players have got their own characters and are winners and leaders."

ENGLAND Under 21 squad for European Championship qualifier against Greece at Ewood Park on Friday (7pm): Kirkland (LIverpool), Robinson (Leeds), Taylor (Arsenal), Young (Charlton), Bridge (Southampton), Wright (Liverpool), King (Tottenham), Barry (Aston Villa), Riggott (Derby), Johnson (Derby), Davis (Fulham), Dunn (Blackburn), Greening, Wilson (both Middlesbrough), Parker (Charlton), Carrick (West Ham), Prutton (Nottm Forest), Chadwick (Manchester United), Wassell (Aston Villa), Jeffers (Arsenal), Christie (Derby), Smith (Watford), Ameobi (Newcastle).