History affirmed

Slovenia's goal celebration routine, described as the worst ever, remained on the bench

Slovenia 0 England 1

HOW quickly it all turns. England had history on their side going into the match. Six times in the past they have needed a positive result in their final World Cup group game and six times have they managed it. Today’s match against Slovenia was no different. When push came to shove the Three Lions showed their true worth. At the final whistle the players gathered in a huddle as a show of unity.

Two crucial changes were made and the team were transformed. Some might suggest that those changes were the fact the BBC were broadcasting the match and that England were playing in an all red kit. However, it is a tad more technical than that. The introduction of James Milner and Jermain Defoe into the starting XI seemed to provide England with a new lease of energy. The duo replaced Aaron Lennon and Emile Heskey. Manager Fabio Capello was also forced to play Matthew Upson in central defence as Jamie Carragher was suspended for the match.

It might not have been the most convincing scoreline, but it was a much-improved performance in Port Elizabeth. The win means England qualify second in the group and reach the last 16. England’s failure to kill the game off ensured everyone was on the edge of their seats right until the very end; it would not be England without that tension.

It was, however, a nervy start, with John Terry putting Upson into trouble and both Glen Johnson and Gareth Barry fortunate not to go into the referee’s notebook for rash fouls. Not before too long, though, the confidence began to grow. This was epitomised by Johnson who, after the anxious start, hit an astounding volleyed cross-field pass to Rooney on the left flank. The Manchester United striker crossed the ball to the far post where Bostjan Cesar just managed to head it away from the onrushing Gerrard.

The volume level in the stadium went up a few notches. The England fans were drowning out the vuvuzelas and nobody has been able to say that so far this tournament. Terry and Rooney both went close from corners as England started to push. The lions could smell blood.

With 23 minutes on the clock Milner crossed a sublime ball which David Beckham, watching on from the dugout, would have been proud that found Defoe who volleyed past the hapless Samir Handanovic.

Immediately England showed the form and style of play that had seen them dominate their qualification group. Opportunities to score were now coming every time England had the ball. Defoe, Lampard and Gerrard all guilty of missing glorious chances to double the lead.

Handanovic was certainly keeping busy. When Gerrard slid Defoe through, the Spurs striker brought a decent save out of the Slovenian keeper. Rooney got hold of the rebound and somehow found a way to pass the ball through the Slovenian defenders to find Gerrard. The England captain tried to pass the ball into the net but Handanovic got down to it.

Slovenia rarely threatened and when they did David James, Terry and Upson dealt with it comfortably.

England started the second half just as they had finished the first and Defoe really should have made it 2-0. Rooney took a quick corner, which the ever reliable Handanovic punched clear and Barry headed it back in for Defoe who flicked just wide.

Just a couple of minutes later England had the ball in the net when Rooney squared the ball to Defoe for an easy tap in but the Engand number 10 had been judged to be offside before setting up his strike partner.

Capello’s team were relentless, if not successful, in their pursuit of the second goal which would have put everyone at ease. A Barry corner was met by Terry at the far post but his thumping header was turned behind by Handanovic and the Slovenian keeper then made a brilliant fingertip save to deny Rooney, just touching his shot onto the post after Lampard had put him clean through.

Despite their dominance England’s lead was slender and a Slovenian equaliser would have brought an abrupt end to their World Cup. This was quickly brought to the forefront of people’s minds when Barry gave the ball away allowing Valter Birsa a rare Slovenian shot on target.

Barry then made another mistake and he owed Terry and Johnson a debt of gratitude for ensuring it was not a fatal error. Both Terry and Johnson put their bodies on the line blocking successive Slovenian shots on goal. Capello responded by replacing Rooney, who had suffered a knock to his ankle, with Joe Cole. It was reminiscent of Graham Taylor taking Gary Lineker off in 1993 and Alf Ramsey replacing Sir Bobby Charlton against West Germany in the quarter-finals of the 1970 World Cup.

Fortunately or Capello it was not going to be a costly decision although Upson did have to make a remarkable challenge in stoppage time with just two minutes remaining.

England have qualified, it is good news. On the face of it the fact they have only scored two goals in three games is not. However, the previous four occasions when they have scored so few they have at least made the quarter-finals. History, is once again, on England’s side.