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Last Updated: Sunday, 12 October, 2003, 02:07 GMT 03:07 UK
The back pages
Common consent is that England's footballers - who have been criticised for their conduct over the Rio Ferdinand affair all week - did their nation proud in Istanbul.

A 0-0 draw against Turkey booked Sven's men a trip to Euro 2004 in Portugal.

And the News of the World leaves its readers in no doubt that all is forgiven after a battling display.

"Heroes: England survive Istanbullies," it says, referring to unsavoury aspects of behaviour by Turkish players and fans on the night.

The Sunday Times revels in the result, punning: "English delight in Turkey"

BACK PAGE HEADLINES
The Sunday Times: English delight in Turkey
The Observer On top down under
Sunday Telegraph: Istanbul cauldron
The Independent on Sunday: Fletcher rescues Scotland
The News of the World: Heroes: England survive Istanbullies
Sunday Mirror: War: FA call in lawyers
Sunday Express: English football is at war
Mail on Sunday: Woodward: We want to make you proud
Star Sunday: No ban for Rio

But the early editions of other backpages dwell on looming trouble on the domestic football scene.

A few suggest that "war" is on the horizon.

And the Sunday Express suggests that FA chief executive Mark Pailos is set to take Manchester United on over the Ferdinand furore.

The Star Sunday, however, believes that Ferdinand is set to escape a ban after failing to take a routine drugs test on time.

It says the defender will instead by fined a record-equalling �150,000 - or two week's wages.

The Independent on Sunday makes a hero out of another Manchester United player, following Scotland's 1-0 win over Lithuania.

"Fletcher's lifeline rescues Scotland", it says, referring to the midfielder's decisive second-half goal.

The rugby World Cup takes up a fair number of column inches as the group phase gets under way.

The Observer salutes Ireland on a winning start against Romania.

And the Mail on Sunday looks ahead to England's curtain-raiser against Georgia on Sunday, with a promise from coach Clive Woodward.

"We want to make you proud," it leads. A nation can only hope he is as good as his words.


SEE ALSO
The gossip column
12 Oct 03  |  Football



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