Time for England to look forward

Eriksson organised six friendlies between clinching World Cup qualification at Old Trafford in October 2001 and the start of the tournament in Saitama eight months later. In that time he awarded just five new caps and only two of those - Darius Vassell and Wayne Bridge - had any involvement in the final tournament.

I suspect it will be similarly difficult now for newcomers to break into Eriksson's squad though he kept the door open when he said: "There is always a chance that one or two might make an impression in the next few months."

But it's difficult to envisage any significant change to shape or personnel. The midfield quartet played with such composure and discipline on a hostile night in Istanbul that it's likely that only injury would now present first team opportunities to the likes of Frank Lampard or Owen Hargreaves. Similar diligence and physical commitment have propelled John Terry to the forefront of Eriksson's defensive planning.

Rio Ferdinand's recent problems might cost him dearly because, in his absence, the Chelsea centre-half played with such maturity that he and Sol Campbell look the more resolute partnership in the heart of the defence. Terry might not have Ferdinand's fancy touches but he rarely gets caught out of position, an important quality when you lack the pace to get yourself out of trouble.

Terry's still in the process of proving himself at this level, but on the banks of the Bosporus the other night the boy from Barking gave Eriksson plenty to think about. But he's realistic enough to concede: "Personally, I still think Sol and Rio are the first choice." England's coach, however, described Terry's performance as "fantastic, absolutely". In fact, he said that the back four as a unit was "marvellous".

This, then, may well be England's first-choice back four in Portugal though Arsenal's Ashley Cole needs to sharpen up. He was exposed on several occasions by the talented Okan Buruk and it looked as though Turkey had selected Cole as the most vulnerable element in the England defence. Nonetheless, he stuck defiantly to a difficult task.

David James showed that relegation to the First Division with West Ham has done nothing to diminish his agility in the goal. Since that embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Australia at Upton Park in February, England have won eight and drawn one of nine games, conceding just five goals. There would appear to be little defensively to worry Eriksson at the moment.

Perhaps, the one area still to be settled concerns the partner to Michael Owen, absent against Turkey because of injury. The Liverpool star is England's first-choice striker, but who is best suited to play alongside him - Emile Heskey or Wayne Rooney? Neither played well in Turkey so the next few months will be dedicated to establishing England's best strike partnership.

The nearest England came to a goal was when David Beckham lost his footing as he strode forward to take a penalty in the 35th minute. The fact that he missed and was then goaded by Alpay Ozalan led directly to the half-time melee in the tunnel which will be investigated by UEFA if reported by referee Pierluigi Collina.

Although the pushing and shoving didn't amount to much, it was the nearest we came to violence on what was a spectacular night for football. The Turks created a wonderful, vibrant atmosphere to which Beckham and his team-mates responded positively. Sad though it is to report, England supporters weren't missed.

Beckham was the outstanding figure on a night when England showed great control and tactical awareness. The Turks, needing all three points to secure automatic qualification, were disappointing and never looked like breaking England's spirit.

Perhaps we need more industrial unrest among the players because this clearly enhanced their sense of comradeship. It's just sad that they felt the need to display their joy at the end in one of those juvenile huddles where they all jump up and down excitedly like children.

If you want dignity these days you have to go to Eriksson. "I can't say that we will win the European Championship, but we are good enough to win it," he smiled. "We are one of several very good teams - France, Germany, Italy, that's the problem. But to beat England in a competitive match is not easy."

Will he still be in charge when it matters next summer? A few days ago he refused to answer, but this time when pressed he replied: "As the situation is now, then yes."

Let's hope so.