ENGLAND Under-21 boss David Platt is looking to build for the next European Championship without worrying about losing the likes of Ipswich Town's Darren Bent to the senior squad.

ENGLAND Under-21 boss David Platt is looking to build for the next European Championship without worrying about losing the likes of Ipswich Town's Darren Bent to the senior squad, writes Derek Davis.

The young Lions also include Bent's former Town partner and best mate Darren Ambrose for tonight's friendly against Sweden in Kristianstad.

Platt again has a largely inexperienced 21-man squad to choose from, with Charlton striker Carlton Cole and Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson the most capped with five apiece.

But he believes not having any star names serves as an advantage as England look to build on last month's 3-2 win over Holland ahead of the next European Championship qualifying campaign, which begins in September.

Platt said: “The senior squad is now crammed with the youngsters who have gone through, and as a result of that I have a squad where I don't need too many conversations with Sven prior to naming it.

“I don't think any of them yet have one eye on the senior squad. I don't think they are looking at forcing their way in.

“So for the last game and this one I can talk to the players about a two-and-a-half year campaign and about being Under-21 players.”

Bent will be looking to add to his impressive scoring run, having netted five goals in four games.

He also scored on his last England outing when he scored the winner in a 3-2 win over Slovakia in Hull in February.