Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne stepped into the Rio Ferdinand drug row claiming that the Football Association ''should have been more understanding''.

Gascoigne, famously left out of the England squad on the eve of the 1998 World Cup by then-manager Glenn Hoddle, said other countries would have backed a player in these circumstances.

Ferdinand, who claimed he forgot to attend a routine test when doping control officers from UK Sport turned up at Manchester United's training ground on September 23, found the FA in no mood to compromise after they insisted he was left out of Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad to face Turkey on Saturday.

Gascoigne said: ''If this had happened in another country, they would have backed the player all the way. It's a very important game and we need to win.

''The FA should have been more understanding. I can see the FA's point, but another association would put Rio back in the squad to get the confidence back up in the squad.''

FA chief executive Mark Palios last night reiterated that they stood by their decision - despite yesterday's threat of a players' boycott - but they were willing to allow the players to release an unedited statement as part of the settlement.

FA director of communications Paul Barber said: ''We took a policy decision, we stood by it in the face of enormous pressure and we were right to do it.

''The players conducted themselves in difficult circumstances very professionally. They had strong views and we are comfortable that they have expressed those views.''

Gascoigne, meanwhile, urged Eriksson to play Wayne Rooney from the start in the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey.

Questions have been raised about how the temperamental teenager will fare in such an intimidating atmosphere, but Gascoigne has no doubts the Everton striker can cope.

''He has got something about him and the kid is full of confidence at the moment,'' he said.

''I've no doubt that with the players around him will definitely give him a boost and I would definitely start him against Turkey.''

Eriksson, who is expected to start with the 17-year-old, will spell out the importance of keeping his cool in the Istanbul cauldron.

Rooney has never been booked while wearing an England shirt but for Everton he has collected 13 yellow cards and one red - against Birmingham City on Boxing Day - in only 45 appearances.

He is already facing suspension this season after collecting his fifth booking against Tottenham at White Hart Lane at the weekend for showing dissent towards referee Dermot Gallagher.

Rooney can expect to have his temperament put to the test by the Turks, who will be mindful of the threat he caused to them in England's 2-0 win at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in April.

Eriksson staunchly defended the way Rooney has conducted himself while on international duty but he will remind the youngster of his responsibilities ahead of the game.

He said: ''I saw the incident with Wayne at Tottenham on television and also got a report from a scout.

''I must say any time that Wayne has played for England he has shown the right temperament.

"I've no reason to complain about that.

''He has always had the perfect style. He has had just the right approach.

"There has not been too much or too little in terms of his temperament.

''I am not concerned about that. But in any case, I will have a few words to him about it before the game.''

The major fitness doubt still concerns Michael Owen and Eriksson has drafted in Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell as cover for the Liverpool player.

Owen, who suffered his leg injury against Arsenal at the weekend, is not expected to train today and Eriksson admitted it may be tomorrow before he is able to practice - if at all.

A worrying factor is that Eriksson consulted Owen and the England medical team around the time that his squad was being presented to the media - and it was only later that Vassell was called into his plans.

Eriksson said: ''Owen might still be 50-50. He didn't train on Tuesday, may not on Wednesday and maybe not even on Thursday. it would be better if possible if he has at least one practice session.

''Every day I have to speak to Michael, the doctors, the masseurs - but especially Friday. We have to take a decision, even maybe Saturday morning.''

The good news for Eriksson was that skipper David Beckham did train with the squad yesterday after sustaining a dead leg when on duty for Real Madrid against Espanyol at the weekend, although he did complete 87 minutes of that game.