The 10 best England team performances in the Premier League era

#8 England 2-0 Turkey – Euro 2004: Qualification Round

Despite an impressive showing in the 2002 World Cup, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s England side, slipped up almost immediately afterward, by drawing with minnows Macedonia, in their second qualifying game for Euro 2004.

With World Cup semi-finalists Turkey in the same qualifying group, suddenly the 'Three Lions' chances of going to the tournament in Portugal became much slimmer.

It was crucial, then, that England picked up a positive result against Turkey in their home game in April 2003. Thankfully they did, winning 2-0 in what was one of the high points of Eriksson’s reign as a manager.

Two factors appeared to stand out in their favor – firstly, the side was buoyed by the emergence of teenage superstar Wayne Rooney, who started his first England game and terrified the Turkish defence until he was substituted in the second half.

Secondly, with Wembley being redeveloped, the game was taking place at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, creating a far more intimidating atmosphere for the visitors than the larger stadium would’ve provided.

Despite England dominating the majority of the game, keeper David James still had to be at his best to deny the likes of Yildiray Basturk and Hasan Sas. Turkey’s keeper Rustu Recber was also outstanding, as he made a couple of brilliant saves.

The game remained at 0-0 with 15 minutes to go, when a cross from Wayne Bridge inexplicably found defender Rio Ferdinand, who took his chance brilliantly only for Rustu to save his shot. The ball spilled to substitute Darius Vassell, who quickly stabbed home to put England ahead.

Minutes later James made a spectacular save to deny Nihat Kahveci, and then David Beckham sealed the result with an injury-time penalty following a foul on Keiron Dyer.

It was a night in which everything went right for England, from the introduction of Rooney onto the big stage, to one of the best goalkeeping performances from James in an England shirt.

The 'Three Lions' were back in control of the group and ended up qualifying following a 0-0 draw in the return fixture with the Turks.