Turkey out to make history

Historical advantage
Having started their campaign slowly, England go into the game at Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light knowing that a victory would move them top of the table. Furthermore, Sven-Göran Eriksson's team have history on their side, having not conceded a goal in eight previous meetings against Turkey, seven of which they won.

Winning start
Current form offers less encouragement, however: England's recent displays have been below-par while Turkey, third in the FIFA World Cup last summer, have taken maximum points from their three games. The other match in the group gives Slovakia the chance to close the gap on the top two as they play at home to Liechtenstein.

Comfortable cushion
The top two also face each other in Group 1, although France have an eight-point cushion over Israel ahead of the sides' meeting in Palermo. Having won all four qualifiers to date, scoring 17 times in the process, a fifth win would give France a virtually unassailable advantage in the standings.

'Stay focused'
However, the holders are taking nothing for granted. "If we win, we will be very close to qualification," said coach Jacques Santini. "A success would put us in a very favourable situation, so we must keep our minds focused. We are favourites, but you never know what can happen." In Group 1's other game, Slovenia will be hoping to secure a second victory when they play Cyprus.

Tight at the top
The situation is much tighter in Group 3, with a single point separating the top three after Saturday's 1-1 draw between the Netherlands and the first-placed Czech Republic. The Dutch will expect to return to winning ways as they visit Molodova, while the Czech Republic are at home to third-placed Austria.

Important wins
Group 10 is equally finely balanced, after the Republic of Ireland and Albania both enjoyed weekend victories ahead of their meeting in Tirana, while leaders Switzerland seek to extend their advantage as they visit Georgia.

Hungary hope
Hungary can take advantage of Latvia's inactivity to move top of Group 4 but face a tricky task at home to Sweden, who have drawn both their games so far. Poland, meanwhile, will expect to join Latvia on seven points as they play host to San Marino, who have lost all three matches.

Weekend successes
In Group 5, Lithuania will look to build on their unexpected 1-1 draw in Germany on Saturday when they welcome Scotland, who moved to the top of the table thanks to a 2-1 home win against Iceland.

Denmark in form
Group 2 leaders Denmark are another side aiming to follow up an impressive recent display, and having won 5-2 in Romania, they will be confident of defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina. Norway, meanwhile, who are level with their Scandinavian neighbours on seven points from three games, will also be hopeful of three points away to Luxembourg.

Croatia chance
After defeating Belgium 4-0 at the weekend, Croatia should have few problems against Group 8's bottom side Andorra, while section leaders Bulgaria are looking to maintain their perfect record with an away trip to Estonia.

Spain seek three points
Spain can extend their lead at the top of Group 6 to four points with a home win against Armenia, while the bottom two meet in Belfast as Greece visit Northern Ireland. Finally, Portugal, the EURO 2004™ hosts, continue their preparations with a friendly against F.Y.R. Macedonia in the Swiss city of Lausanne.