MIDDLESBROUGH'S Andrew Davies made his debut for the Under-21s last night but a lapse of concentration from the centre-back was a factor in England going down to a goal after only 90 seconds from Fatih Sonkaya.

Newcastle United's Jermaine Jenas was handed the captain's armband by manager David Platt, but he was unable to make a winning start as U-21 skipper.

The Magpies' Shola Ameobi was also in action, and after the game a determined Platt spelt out his desire to remain as coach for another European Championship qualifying campaign - despite the defeat.

England had already lost any chance of going through before losing in Turkey, and having Chelsea defender Glen Johnson sent off for two bookings.

But, although results have been up and down, Platt can point to the likes of Darius Vassell and Wayne Bridge being groomed for the senior squad, which remains his main priority.

Platt said: ''I will continue to do my job until somebody tells me otherwise.

''I enjoy my job. I look at it and, yes I want to win things, but I get a lot of satisfaction now from shaking hands with people like Darius Vassell and Wayne Bridge.

''If I can help Jenas, Johnson, Michael Dawson, people like that, to progress into the senior squad as well then it would be the same feeling but I want to win as well.

''There's a million and one things that my employers have got to take into consideration.

''I'm doing the job to the best of my ability. I continue to look to learn and improve, to do things better.

''I enjoy my job and I want to keep it. If people decide otherwise, there's not a great deal I can do.''

But at least a share of the spoils would have been rescued against the group winners had Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe not squandered late gilt-edged chances.

Platt said: ''In our last two games I really haven't had too many worries with the performances. Both have had energy, commitment and some good play in parts both against Portugal and Turkey.

''Unfortunately we've made errors. We've gone a goal down in the first couple of minutes of both games and it's very difficult at this level to get back from that.

''It means you have got to score two goals and it is very difficult at international level to score two goals when you are playing against good sides.

''It seems that we put ourselves on the back foot in too many games with things that aren't really tactical."