When you are in need of a result to secure qualification for a major international tournament, one of the last places that you want to visit is Turkey.
Premier League clubs have often struggled in the intimidating atmosphere produced by supporters from the Eastern European nation, yet it was where England needed to avoid defeat if they were to seal their participation at Euro 2004. A loss would have seen the hosts advance instead, with Sven-Goran Eriksson's team confined to the playoffs.
With such significance riding on the outcome of the encounter, which was played 11 years ago today, the home fans were raucous from the first whistle.
Yet, the hostility did not seem to hamper visiting England, who dominated the first half. First, Wayne Rooney was sent clear by David Beckham, but despite the fact that his lobbed effort got the better of home goalkeeper Rustu Recber, the ball landed on the roof of the net.
Then, with 37 minutes played, Beckham had the perfect opportunity to break the deadlock. Steven Gerrard was tripped inside the area by Tugay and referee Pierluigi Collina had little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Skipper Beckham had never previously missed from 12 yards on England duty, but he slipped in the action of shooting and his effort flew well over the crossbar.
Turkish defender Alpay got in Beckham's face as he picked himself up, which sparked a pushing match between the two sets of players. It continued in the tunnel during the break, where it was alleged that among other offences, Turkey's Hasan Sas spat at England full-back Ashley Cole.
The second half was dominated by the home side, but they were unable to find a way past David James and his defence. Their best opening fell to Nihat in stoppage time, but the Real Sociedad frontman fired wide of the target, which in turn saw England progress to the European Championships.
Speaking after the match, Eriksson said: "To do the job we did after the week we had was very, very professional. Once again we showed we have a very good team and a very united group. They had a strange week but their answer today was exactly what we hoped for.
"They played like a team with a lot of experience. They were very calm out there and you could see at once that it was going to be very difficult for Turkey to score goals. Defensively, we were very, very good today."
Meanwhile, on his clash with Alpay, Beckham revealed: "He clipped me round the ear and said something nasty about my mother. It was not a nice thing to hear. Then I confronted him in the tunnel and all the other players started coming in and their players were overreacting."
Alpay countered: "This would not have happened if the confrontation had been with any other player than David Beckham. The time and effort the English media give to David Beckham is unfair. It is an injustice to the other players in the England team. The other players work harder than he does."
TURKEY: Rustu; Uzulmez, Korkmaz, Akyel, Alpay; Emre (Penbe), Buruk (Mansiz), Tugay, Sukur; Nihat, Yalcin (Sanli)
ENGLAND: James; G Neville, Campbell, Terry, A Cole; Butt, Gerrard, Beckham, Scholes (Lampard); Rooney (Dyer), Heskey (Vassell)
Liam Apicella
