All together now: Fabio Capello congratulates Matthew Upson and James Milner at the final whistle Frank Lampard savoured the relief, tasted the victory. What a difference a win makes. Now, after squeezing past Slovenia and out of the group, England are on the search for four more.
Jermain Defoe’s first-half volley secured a 1-0 win with a stylish performance on a ragged pitch and sent Fabio Capello’s team into the last 16 of the tournament.
Memories of an awful display against Algeria were washed away by the euphoria of reaching the knock-out phase, even if finishing second behind the USA in Group C means a tricky route now stretches ahead, starting in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
‘How you played in the group doesn’t win you anything,’ said Lampard. ‘It doesn’t get you any credit if you get sent home next round. I couldn’t care less that we’ve finished second.
'It’s hard to pick and choose your games in the future rounds. Maybe it’s a bonus because we have an extra day’s rest.
‘It all starts here because it’s knock-out. It’s pure knock-out football and it’s about performing. When you think that you’re four games away from doing something very special that can only focus the mind.
‘This performance gives us a lot to build on. You’ve seen it many times before that teams start a bit cagey and then come good. We have to follow that model and try to keep improving with every game.’
All smiles: The England team mob Defoe after he opened the scoring in Port Elizabeth Normally so restrained, Capello dashed onto the pitch to join his players in celebration after the final whistle.
Defoe had scored in the 23rd minute but England’s failure to extend their lead guaranteed some heart flutters late on.
The rush of emotion told the story of a tense start to the tournament within the England camp. Of huge expectations. Of disappointing performances. Of criticism. And of desperation from inside the camp to put things right.
‘Sometimes if you do take a bit of stick from afar you have to react in the right way,’ said Lampard. ‘There was a real determination in the group to perform and you saw that.
‘It was a game we had to win and we did it with a good performance. We could have scored more and made it more comfortable and a less nervy ending.
'But we spoke in the week about playing with a bit more passion and pace and we certainly did that in the first half. That was the difference to the two previous games. We play that way for our clubs.
On target: Defoe scores after 22 minutes to ease England into the lead ‘It’s why people regard the English Premier League as one of the best and fear it when we play at our best. If we play with those qualities then we’ve got a chance.’
‘What a moment,’ grinned Defoe, who was starting his first competitive international for almost two years. ‘I am lost for words. As a young lad you dream about doing that one day, scoring in the World Cup finals.
‘I had another one, early in the second half, and I was disappointed because I should’ve done better. But we won the game and I’m delighted.
'The belief has always been there. It’s always difficult at this level. Look at the other games, top teams have struggled.’
Close call: Rooney's second-half shot was tipped onto the post by Slovenia goalkeeper HandanovicCapello made three changes to the team which drew with Algeria. Defoe replaced Emile Heskey up front, Milner came in for Aaron Lennon, who had an ankle injury, and Matthew Upson stepped into central defence for the suspended Jamie Carragher.
Upson said: ‘We went about it like it was a Saturday in the Premier League. That was the key for us. Especially at the end, they were hitting long balls, they were knocking it down and it was getting a bit scrappy.
'We’re more than used to dealing with that type of football and did well to see it through.’
John Terry was solid after days when the focus was trained on his attempt to force changes on Capello.
‘He is a leader on the pitch,’ said Capello. ‘His performance was really important. I have no problems with the players. I think all the players understand, I respect all the players but I can choose during the game different solutions.
'I substituted Wayne Rooney but he’s a really important player like the others. I’m a manager and I have to find the solutions.’
Leading from the front: Despite calls to play him just off Rooney, Gerrard was installed on the left-hand side of England's midfield Rooney was brought off with 18 minutes remaining. Capello said his ankle was sore but should be ready for Sunday.
Capello added: ‘I’m sure we will play with more confidence now because we re-found the spirit. This is the team I know. The quality of the players is really good.
'We improved a lot physically because we ran a lot today, pressed a lot and won the ball back really well. We were focused and fast.’
After taking the unusual step of allowing his players a drink on the eve of the game against Slovenia, Capello had no problem allowing them to toast their victory against Slovenia as they flew back to their base camp near Rustenburg.
‘You can’t come away for a month and live like a monk,’ said Lampard. ‘The manager is aware of that and it’s not like that. You don’t have ten beers but you might have one or two.’
HERE’S WHAT THEY SAID
Steven Gerrard
‘Wayne Rooney’s had a bit of criticism over the last couple of days but he showed his quality. Goals are around the corner now for Wayne.
‘We have to stick together, keep trying to improve and listen to the manager, because his ideas and what he wants from the team are spot on. If we can deliver what he is asking we will be difficult to beat.
‘If we turn up and play close to our potential we’re a match for anyone. We’ve done it before with our backs against the wall. The lads put in everything we asked for — passion, fight, team spirit, togetherness. We thoroughly deserved to go through.’
Frank Lampard
‘John Terry made some terrific blocks but you can go through everyone in the team. James Milner and Jermain Defoe came in and did well. We grafted. John and Matty Upson made some big blocks and Jamo’s handling was brilliant. Everyone did it.
‘There was determination from the start and a feeling from the crowd. It ended up a good day.’
Matjaz Kek, Slovenia manager
‘At the end it was indescribable but this is sport. Some people will think I’m disappointed but I am proud that I have come so far with this Slovenia side.
‘I hope England win the World Cup. I think they are a favourite.’
source :dailymail
