Confidence is high in Turkey camp

14 April 2012

England arrived in Istanbul last night to be greeted by hosts who believe everything is in their favour for tomorrow's game.

Turkey have never scored against, never mind beaten, England in the nine previous internationals between the two countries, but are supremely confident of making history tomorrow and qualifying automatically for the European Championship finals in Portugal next summer.

Coach Senol Gunes has no injury worries and is expected to recall midfielder Sergen Yalcin, who inspired Besiktas's 2-0 win over Chelsea last week.

The 31-year-old will operate behind two central strikers, Hakan Sukur and Nihat Kahveci, and Turkey will look to attack from the outset.

Besiktas's surprise win at Stamford Bridge has lifted the home side's morale and Gunes is stressing further positives.

Turkey have never lost in Fenerbahce's Sukru Saracoglu stadium and have also drawn comfort from the choice of referee, Pierluigi Collina.

Though the Italian official has presided over such England wins as the 5-1 victory over Munich and the World Cup finals match with Argentina, he has also taken charge of nine games involving Turkish sides since 1996, with the Turks winning eight and drawing one.

Defender Fatih Akyakel said: "The players are on a high after Besiktas's win. Sergen has come back in the team on the basis of that magnificent performance against Chelsea and that's given us a massive boost. We're very confident of winning the game and are looking forward to it."

While England are without Owen and Ferdinand, Turkey's record scorer Sukur has recovered from a knee injury.

The Galatasaray striker has scored 40 goals in 87 games for his country, but will trade all that success for a single strike against England.

Sukur said: "I would swap all my 40 international goals for just one tomorrow night. I want to be the first man to score against England but do not feel any pressure. We have to work as a team."

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Confidence is high in Turkey camp

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