Alpay: Turkey will roast English

England were drawn against Alpay's home nation in the qualifying groups for Euro 2004, and Alpay believes that Turkey's impressive passage through to the World Cup semi-final this season gives due indication that they are a major force.

"Turkey will win the group, England will have to settle for a play-off place," Alpay told Aston Villa's official site.

"The days when we played you and lost all the time are now gone.

"That was when we didn't even enter the European Championships. Now we generally qualify.

"Turkish football has developed quite a lot. I am also looking forward to showing English people Turkish hospitality.

"I think we will win the group and I am sorry to say that England will have to qualify through the play-offs."

Alpay has been a pivotal figure for the Turks this summer, emerging as one of the players of the tournament with a series of impressive displays.