SCOUTING REPORT

Manager

Senol Gunes

The 69-year-old Gunes will do well to replicate the third place he achieved at the 2002 World Cup, but his second stint in charge of Turkey is certainly going well.

Record P 25 W 13 D 9 L 3

All games

Strengths

• Central defence looks strong

• Calhanoglu is a sublime playmaker when in the mood

• Striker Burak Yilmaz is in hot form

Weaknesses

• Lack of alternatives if 36-year-old Yilmaz doesn’t deliver

• Question marks at left-back have never been resolved

• Recent form says they make far too many mistakes

Prospects

This is a squad full of confidence who can score goals and on their day can defend well. However, neither facet of the game comes with any guarantees and that’s why the enigmatic Turks could be anything. They have the talent (but would need the draw) to make the last eight.

Inside info

Jonathan Wilson

European football expert

Senol Gunes is a good, progressive coach and Turkey have the potential to surprise. Whereas Fatih Terim was all about guts and leaders this group is more advanced and Turkey could be one the more attractive teams to watch at the Euros.