England now head joyously to Euro 2004 after a performance of towering strength in Istanbul. The team coach crossed continents on the way to the ground and, when the game started, the players looked as though they would have run half way around the world to get to Portugal.

Sven happy with qualificationSix years to the day since Glenn Hoddle's England produced heroics to progress to France at Italy's expense, Sven's men found a display of similar magnitude when they needed it most.

England got what they wanted: a good start. While the Turks' play seemed inhibited by the pressure of an expectant crowd, England were slick and progressive.

Butt's accurate staccato passing gave a platform from which to build and, with Scholes, Gerrard and Beckham making up the midfield quartet, the quality was always there.

From the first to last minute, Nihat was Turkey's main threat. An acrobatic volley and a 35-yard free-kick both tested James in the first half.

For a game of so much importance, the chances were free-flowing.

Rooney saw a lob land on the top of the net and failed to control another good opportunity, while Emre stung James' hands with a long-range effort.

He doesn't usually miss from thereThen the drama really started.

Steven Gerrard - whose unbeaten England record remains intact - found his slinky run ended unfairly by Tugay inside the box. The captain stepped up, visualising the goal that would kill the game off but, as he was about to make the vital contact, his left leg gave way. Beckham was on the floor by the time his mis-hit effort flew over the bar.

It was an awful moment, which re-ignited the home crowd but England managed to keep their heads amid the mayhem. They had no choice.

A devastating run by Rooney seconds later opened up the heart of the Turkish defence and a goal looked odds on when Scholes picked up the running on the edge of the area. Uncharacteristically though, the United man fired his left-foot shot wide of the target.

Chief among the many questions at half-time was how the game had remained scoreless.

Emile holds off TurkeyThe interval did nothing to dampen the contest. Tackles were flying and tensions were frayed. Sukur claimed a penalty, Beckham was felled off the ball and missiles threatened the safety and the spectacle.

Both managers sent on fresh blood upfront in the hope of what, by that stage, looked likely to be the decisive first strike.

In defence, Terry and Campbell were giants for the cause. With Turkey finding their form, the physical and mental strength of the England centre-halves were consistently called upon and one every occasion they had the answers.

At the other end, we still looked dangerous with Dyer and Vassell simply too fast for Turkey to contend with.

Beckham even found the net at the end of an exquisite move, only to see the goal ruled out for offside.

And Becks had one ruled outBy this stage, Senol Gunes was on the touchline willing his team forward and substitute Tuncay almost lived up to his billing as the wonderboy of Turkish football with a volley on the turn that shaved the post.

Nihat too almost almost stole the glory with a last ditch effort but, after an unforgettable week, there was a sense that this was going to England's night.

The flawless Collina blew his whistle. Sven's men had won the all-important point. They had also proved one.

The England players were applauded off the field by the Turkish fans at the end of the game. It was almost too good to be true. Almost.


Teams

Turkey: Rüstu Reçber, Ibrahim, Bülent, Fatih Akyel, Alpay Özalan, Emre Belözoglu, Okan Buruk (Ilhan Mansiz, 67), Tugay Kerimoglu, Hakan Sükür, Nihat Kahveci, Sergen Yalçin (Tuncay, 58)
Subs: Ömer Çatkiç, Ergün, Yildiray Bastürk, Emre Asik, Ümit Davala

England: David James, Gary Neville, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, John Terry, Sol Campbell, David Beckham, Paul Scholes (Frank Lampard, 88), Emile Heskey (Darius Vassell, 67), Wayne Rooney (Kieron Dyer, 71), Nicky Butt
Subs: Philip Neville, Paul Robinson, Matthew Upson, Wayne Bridge

Referee: Pierluigi Collina (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Marco Ivaldi, Narciso Pisacreta (both Italy)
Fourth Official: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)