Turkey's EURO prospects on Caner Erkin's mind

Fenerbahçe left-back Caner Erkin admits he is struggling to keep his mind on his club's domestic campaign as the excitement builds around Turkey's upcoming UEFA EURO 2016 challenge. The 27-year-old tells UEFA.com that the main obstacle to success for his side may come from within.

UEFA.com: Turkey got through qualifying in dramatic fashion; how did that feel?

Caner Erkin: We had started really badly – we lost, we drew and in that spell we won one match. Everyone was saying it was all over. But we kept believing we had a chance, and then we got some victories and didn't lose again. In the last three or four months we became one of the best national teams in Europe. We managed to get into the European Championship with a last-minute goal [against Iceland] – we made it as the best third-placed team. It was an unbelievable feeling. Every player wants to be at the finals, and hopefully we will impress when we're there.

UEFA.com: How do you rate Turkey's chances in a group also featuring Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia?

Caner: Well, we're in the same group as the Czech Republic again [as in qualifying] – we can't get away from them and they can't get away from us! And we don't even have to mention Spain: they're a team full of top-quality players. Croatia too. But as I've said, we have real quality ourselves.

One of our biggest problems is not always being able to focus, but the whole world – the whole of Europe – knows what we can do when we are on our game. So starting from the first match, we have to concentrate really well, and then it won't matter whether it's Spain, Croatia or the Czechs who we are up against. What is important is our own battle – we need to be on our game.

UEFA.com: Are you already mentally preparing yourself for UEFA EURO 2016?

Caner: I am going to play at the EURO for the first time, but first of all I am focusing on winning the title with my club. After that, there is a process in terms of preparing myself [for the tournament]. At the moment we are thinking about it, whether we want to or not. One part of our minds is there. From my perspective, I am really excited about getting there.