Job done.....just

Slovenia 0-1 England

After two poor performances in South Africa, England finally arrived at this summer's World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Slovenia which guaranteed Fabio Capello's men a place in the round of 16, where they face a daunting game with Group D winners Germany whose 1-0 win over Ghana meant they topped their group.

The first 15 minutes began in typical nervy fashion with Slovenia looking dangerous on the break, but the breakthrough that the nation was desperate for came 22 minutes in, as Milner who replaced Tottenham's Aaron Lennon whipped in a delicious early ball. It was a cross out of the top drawer, and by far the best England have delivered all tournament as it begged to be put in the net. Jermain Defoe, who replaced Heskey, obliged and England were on their way.

That goal galvanised England and the confident side we all saw in qualifying suddenly returned as the Three Lions found their passing range, with captain Steven Gerrard dictating the pace of the game by instigating a spell of swift and intricate passing which the fans have been desperate to see. This type of football inevitably creates chances and in truth England should have had a more comfortable margin at half time. Gerrard and a hugely improved Wayne Rooney linked up well to create a chance for the skipper, but his low shot was well saved by Handanovic, who was the only man keeping his side in the game.

After the interval England's pressure continued and Defoe could have wrapped it up early in the second half as he latched onto a cross only to put his chance wide from 6 yards. Rooney, who was obviously desperate for his first goal of the finals, came as close as he has so far in the tournament as his right foot shot hit the left hand post.

England's wastefulness meant the final ten minutes were nail biting for England fans as Slovenia pushed for the goal that would guarantee their place in the last 16. A swift counter attack caused problems as John Terry, who was a rock all day, and Glen Johnson combined to block a Milijov Novakovic shot before Birsa wastefully fired wide.

England lack of ruthfulness in front of goal ended up costing them, as America's Landon Donovan scored a 92nd minute winner to send the USA to the top of the group on goals scored. This means England wil be facing the Germans in the next round, who eased passed Ghana thanks to a brilliant strike from Mesut Ozil.

Lets not get carried away, England should have qualified for the knock out rounds in far more comfortable fashion, and after all a 1-0 win against Slovenia wont exactly strike fear into the hearts of Brazil or Spain but at least we saw signs that England are improving. The constantly changing defence still looked frail and were often caught out on the counter but Upson came in for his first ever World Cup game and did well whilst Terry was brilliant throughout the game.

Next up are Germany who will undoubtedly prove a sterner test for Capello and England as they are the first footballing powerhouse that Capello will face in a major tournament however Germany, much like England, struggle to find consistency and have shown that in this tournament already having brilliantly disposed of Australia, in their opening game,before slumping to a disappointing defeat against the Serbians.

That inconsistency will provide Capello with great hope however what is certain is that England still have to raise their game if they are to progress to the latter stages but as we have seen so many times before, starting slowly isn't always a bad thing, the reigning champions Italy are testament to that. The nation waits in anticipation and in hope for Sunday's game.

Paul Seed