Defoe Saves England's Campaign

After days of turmoil within the England camp, Capello's slightly improved squad have scraped a victory against Slovenia and managed to qualify to the World Cup quarterfinals, writes Damien Whinnery.

The first half saw a shaky Slovenia crumbling under England pressure.

Right-winger Milner managed to overcome early nerves at the start of game to put in two whipping crosses, the second of which was targeted perfectly into the six-yard box finding Jermain Defoe (pictured) who struck it home off his shin in the 23rd minute.

The appearance of the in-form Defoe had been in some doubt with Peter Crouch and Emanuel Heskey being favoured in recent games.

The ensuing period of the first half saw England come close again with Milner continuing to cause problems along the right wing with his speed and accurate passing, while England's great hope Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerard occasionally combined for brief glimpses at what the pair were expected to give the previously struggling England squad.

Rooney, looked particularly ordinary throughout the crucial game, with some speculation he might be taken off during the second half in favour of the 6'8" Peter Crouch, whose goal scoring record led the team in the run up to the African Championships.

As half time approached, Slovenia's Kirm swung a long free kick into the England box from the left before being punched gingerly into the air by James under pressure from striker Ljunijankic, but an offside ruling allowed England to hold on to their slim lead at the half.

After opening the second half with a quick tempo and determined gait, England again had the best of the play but failed to capitalise on several opportunities to go two goals ahead.

Another dangerous Milner cross from the right, forced Slovenian defender Suler into a diving defensive header, conceding a corner on the right. The set piece saw Terry meeting the ball at the far post, who smashed an effort goalwards from a tight angle, which was saved by goalkeeper Handanovic.

The last ten minutes were a worrying affair as some nerves began to fray, with Slovenia having several opportunities to steal an equalizer, winning their group and putting England out of the competition.

In the last five minutes, Emanuel Heskey was brought on just before a corner was awarded against England giving last minute scares around the stadium.

As the final whistle went up with the score still at 1 – 0, news hit the stadium that USA had scored a shock winner in the 90th minute putting Slovenia out of the competition much to the distress of the defeated players.

England are now expected to face their old rivals Germany in the next round depending on tomorrow's results.

(DW/BMcC)