England Under-21 coach David Platt believes he has found the ideal replacement for Michael Carrick in Middlesbrough midfielder Jonathan Greening.

Greening was drafted into the 22-man party for the European Championship finals following the withdrawal of West Ham's Carrick with a groin injury.

But Platt says Greening offers the England squad a new dimension.

"What we lose in terms of Michael's central midfield characteristics, we actually gain in terms of width with Jonathan," Platt said.

"Jonathan was in, but he had a couple of injuries towards the end that kept him out of the squads.

"But I always looked at him and he was very, very unlucky not to be in the initial 22," added the Under-21 coach.

The news came as a huge boost to the former Manchester United player, who missed Boro's FA Cup semi-final clash with Arsenal because of a hamstring injury.

He will join up with the rest of the party which was due to fly out to Basel in Switzerland on Tuesday ahead of Friday night's opening game against the hosts in Zurich.

Portugal rematch

"To get the call was nice, and I hadn't really gone into holiday mode."

"Our season didn't finish until Saturday and I found out late on Monday night, so I was only back home for two days."

Carrick's absence, coupled with that of Spurs defender Ledley King - who pulled out with an ankle injury - is a major blow for Platt.

Blackburn's Martin Taylor has been drafted in as a replacement for King.

But Platt remains confident the men who will contest the finals have the necessary strength in depth to mount a serious challenge.

After playing Switzerland, England, face Italy in Basel on 20 May before completing the group stage with another tough fixture against Portugal two days later.

Portugal are the only side so far to record a victory over England during Platt's nine-game reign.