England through to finals

Captain David Beckham missed a first half penalty, but England still secured their place in the Euro 2004 finals with a 0-0 draw against Turkey to win group seven.

England endured a controversy-filled run-up to the decider against the World Cup semi-finalists, but produced a disciplined performance on Saturday to stifle Turkey who have still to score a goal against England in nine internationals.

England were rarely threatened and should have gone ahead after 37

minutes but Beckham skied his penalty high over the bar, slipping just as he approached the ball, after Steven Gerrard was fouled by Tugay Kerimoglu.

Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes also spurned excellent first half chances and Beckham had a late headed goal disallowed for offside as England battled for the point they needed to top the group. Turkey went through to the play-offs.

England were without any visiting support after a ruling to keep their fans away because of threatened crowd violence and they also lost their defender Rio Ferdinand who was pulled out after failing to undergo a drugs test.

Source: REUTERS
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