England produced a much better performance in their final group game against Slovenia to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup thanks to a well taken goal by the recalled Jermaine Defoe on 22 minutes following an outstanding cross by another recalled player in James Milner. It was the customary slow and nervy start by England and it was left to Slovenia to labour the opening corner of the game on six minutes.
England got in their stride though and started to knock the ball around well and it was good to see after the feeble first two games that the team were showing the desire to take the game to Slovenia. Frank Lampard shot straight at the keeper. However after about a minute later England went ahead thanks to a terrific ball from James Milner which Jermaine Defoe just about beat the advancing keeper to fire England ahead.
Frank Lampard had one shot on target before half time which was saved easily enough and England were coming out of the half on top. At the start of the second half there was a string of chances that fell Englands way. John Terry had a powerful header well saved from point-blank range and then England had a goal disallowed for offside. Wayne Rooney had one shot knocked onto the post by the keeper and you began to wonder if England were going to add to their score or not.
At times there was some brilliant defending from John Terry and Glen Johnson. Fabio Capello introduced Joe Cole at last but wasn't on for too long but England ran the clock down well and now face Germany on Sunday afternoon...what a prospect!
