Task cut out for Beckham 038; Co

Now distinctly on the cards, it is precisely the scenario which manager Sven-Goran Eriksson had wanted to avoid ever since the fixture list was first published. Eriksson8217;s side, who huffed and puffed their way to a 2-0 victory in Liechtenstein on Saturday, have certainly not shown the kind of form needed to beat such skilful and well-drilled opponents. Lacking real conviction and creative spark, England still appear to be wrestling with the demons of a dismal second-half display against Brazil in last year8217;s World Cup quarter-final defeat.

The loss in Shizuoka, preceded by fine wins over Argentina and Denmark, has been followed by a scrappy 2-1 win in Slovakia, the draw with Macedonia, a humiliating 3-1 friendly defeat by Australia and Saturday8217;s laboured victory in Vaduz.

Turkey will not be quaking in their boots.

Instead, they will be looking to exploit any wayward passes or missed tackles in a game which could well be decided by a single defensive error by either side.

Sol Campbell should return to central defence after an achilles problem, but his team mates clearly need to raise their game.

The likes of Ilhan Mansiz, Nihat Kahveci and Hakan Sukur, who like midfielder Tugay Kerimoglu plays his club football for Blackburn Rovers, will provide the immediate threat. Attacking midfielder Yildiray Basturk is another potential matchwinner.

Though Rustu Recber, linked with Arsenal by recent British media reports, is an outstanding goalkeeper, England8217;s hopes will be pinned on Michael Owen out-foxing a sometimes suspect Turkey defence with his blistering pace.

As ever, it places a heavy responsibility on the Liverpool striker, who scored his 20th goal in 46 appearances for his country with Saturday8217;s opener against Liechtenstein.

Unfazed, Owen told reporters on Monday: 8220;I enjoy that role.

8220;If loads of people are rooting for you and wanting you to do well there are two ways to go 8212; you either crumble under the pressure or you thrive on it. I like to think I thrive on it.8221;

England can also take comfort from past results against Turkey.

They have yet to concede a goal after seven wins and a 0-0 draw, while two 8-0 victories in the 1980s helped to bring the scoring aggregate to an impressive 29-0 in England8217;s favour.

However, statistics from a different era can be a treacherous guide to the future.

Turkish football has developed faster than any other in Europe in recent years, starting with Galatasaray8217;s UEFA Cup final win over Arsenal in 2000 and continuing with last year8217;s World Cup run to third place. Reuters