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England women's caretaker manager aims to make job his own

Brent Hills looks to make it four wins from four World Cup qualifiers against Turkey

England’s caretaker manager Brent Hills has a prime chance against Turkey today to stake his claim for the permanent job running the women’s team.

Three victories and three clean sheets in three World Cup qualifiers mean Hills has steered England to a hugely satisfying start on the road to Canada 2015.

Belarus were beaten 6-0 in Bournemouth, Turkey torn apart 8-0 at Fratton Park and when Wales finally provided England with resilient opposition Hills’s side stayed patient and ground out a 2-0 victory at The Den on Saturday evening.

Turkey looked hopelessly out of their depth against England last month but Hills remains wary of the opposition his players will encounter in Adana.

“In my experience, teams that get beaten heavily don’t get beaten heavily twice. They learn very quickly,” Hills said. “I would expect it to be a much tougher game, but it’s a game we’ll still be looking to win.”

Hills stepped up from his previous role as assistant to Hope Powell, who was sacked after a poor Euro 2013.

The FA have delayed filling the vacancy but an appointment is expected before England’s fifth qualifier, against Montenegro in April.

Natasha Dowie is aiming to force her way into the starting XI after coming off the bench in the first three qualifiers.

The Liverpool striker has hit 19 goals in 21 league and cup games this season and netted her first England goal against Belarus last month.

She told the FA TV channel: “I’m hoping to keep my place in this squad and push into the starting XI.

“I was pleased to get on against Wales and hopefully I can keep picking up those minutes and if I’m impressing maybe get into the starting XI because as a player that’s what you want to be doing.”

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