England vs Slovenia - Match Ratings

By Shane Thomas

DAVID JAMES (7)

Has been a calm and reassuring presence to England's rearguard since returning against Algeria. Was unflappable yesterday. Which only exacerbates the feeling of what might have been if he had of played against the USA.

England Master Their Nerves As Capello Chooses Right

By Shane Thomas

ENGLAND 1 - 0 SLOVENIA

A 22nd minute goal from Jermain Defoe was enough to send an improved England through to the last 16 of the World Cup. In what proved to be a tense 90 minutes in Port Elizabeth, England finally produced a performace of quality when nothing else would do. It leaves them on a collision course with Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon.