02/04/2003

Home nations set for Euro 2004 qualifying action

England go into tonight's home Euro 2004 fixture against Turkey at the Stadium of Light looking for a victory that will take them to the top of group 7.

While Sven Goran Eriksson's side have been criticised in some quarters for lacking passion in recent matches his team are still favourites for a victory tonight.

With a full squad to choose from Sol Campbell looks set to replace Gareth Southgate at centre-half, however the big talking point is be whether Eriksson will replace Emile Heskey with teenage sensation Wayne Rooney up front.

In Belfast, Northern Ireland are looking to score their first goal in seven matches against Greece tonight.

Sammy McIlroy's team have been labelled the worst Northern Irish side ever following Saturday's 1-0 defeat away to Armenia. However his side are likely to come out fighting against a Greek team which has won only one game away from home in the last five.

George McCartney is likely to come in at left back with Grant McCann pushing forward to the left hand side of midfield ahead of Norwich City's Paul McVeigh.

The Republic of Ireland, meanwhile, are up against a formidable Albania team in Tirana tonight.

The Albanian's have been promised a £95,000 bonus if they can repeat Saturday's victory against Russia and beat the Irish.

While Brian Kerr's men will be up against a passionate 20,000 crowd, he will have Robbie Keane back following the recent death of his father which led to him missing Saturday's 2-1 victory over Georgia.

(MB)

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