Jermain Defoe of England celebrates scoring against Slovenia. (Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) England clinched its place in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Slovenia Wednesday in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The United States defeated Algeria 1-0 in the other Group C game Wednesday in Pretoria, a result that allowed the Americans to join England in the second round.
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The main storyline
Some new blood and a fresh attitude — that's all it took to wake the mighty Three Lions from their hibernation and get them roaring again.
England was tepid, timid and tame in its opening two matches, looking anything but World Cup contenders. After defender John Terry questioned manager Fabio Capello's tactics and team selections in the media, it appeared as though the English were about to self-implode, taking a page out of the French playbook.
But Capello quickly reminded the players who was boss, and he made a series of important changes to his starting lineup. Aside from starting defender Matthew Upson in place of the injured Jamie Carragher, the Italian inserted striker Jermain Defoe (at the expense of the ineffective Emile Heskey) and swapped midfielder James Milner in for Aaron Lennon.
The changes proved to be inspired. Needing a victory to ensure its passage through to the round of 16, England played with a renewed vigour and confidence and, for the first time in South Africa, lived up to its billing as one of the tournament favourites.
Milner delivered dangerous crosses into the box that Lennon could only dream of making, setting up the winning goal by Defoe, who formed a lively and dangerous partnership with Wayne Rooney. Indeed, Rooney, the team's best player, finally showed up at this tournament after two quiet games, linking up with Defoe to devastating effect.
It was an amazing turnaround by Capello's men, but it does raise an important question: can England sustain this level of excellence or will it revert to its under-performing ways with a potential second-round match-up versus arch-nemesis Germany looming?
What this result means
The U.S. wins Group C with five points ahead of England (five points), Slovenia (four points) and Algeria (one point).
The U.S. will meet the second-place team from Group D in the second round, while England will face the Group D winner. Slovenia and Algeria have been eliminated.
The winning goal
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Milner played a cross deep into the box for Defoe who fired a close-range shot through the hands of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.
Turning point of the game
It was evident from the opening kickoff that Slovenia lacked confidence and looked destined to chase the game. Defoe's goal simply confirmed England's dominance over the proceedings, making it impossible for Slovenia to get back into the match.
Man of the match
Defoe not only scored the winner, but he managed to bring the best out of Rooney, much more so than Heskey did through England's first two games.
The English perspective
"This team, this spirit, played together and tried together. I am really happy because I found the team I know. We now go forward. We can play against all the teams because the mind is now free." — coach Fabio Capello
The Slovenian perspective
"This is indescribable, but this is sport. I can only hope our sport will be able to gain from this defeat. Our (players) should be left alone for a while as they are feeling very hard moments." — coach Matjaz Kek