WORLD CUP 2010: Defoe's strike sends England through

 ENGLAND 1 SLOVENIA 0

JERMAIN Defoe's predatory finish finally saw the Three Lions roar as Fabio Capello's England downed Slovenia to progress through to the knock-out stages of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

ON TARGET: Jermain Defoe's solitary goal sends England through to the knock-out stages as Group C runners-up (Getty Images)

The Spurs man volleyed home James Milner's superb cross on 22 minutes to free the shackles on Capello's men and while there were no more goals, a far more polished performance ensued to breed optimism throughout the England ranks.

Changes were called for and while there were fears that Capello's sheer stubbornness may have meant otherwise, changes were exactly what England got.

In came Milner and Defoe, as well as Matthew Upson for the suspended Jamie Carragher, and their impact was apparent from the off, while in England's changed strip of red, passion, previously conspicuous by its absence, was evident.

Milner, clearly far from 100 per cent against the USA, was re-energised and produced a confident display on the right-wing that England have been craving.

And it was his superb right-wing cross that gave Defoe the chance to notch his 12th goal in England colours and what proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

"That was what I wanted to see, this is the team that I know from qualifying - they played together," said Capello. "I'm very happy because they played with freedom, without fear.

"We can play against any team now and we wlll move forward in this competition."

England were envigorated by Defoe's strike. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard played with greater vigour while Wayne Rooney, so frustrated against Algeria, enjoyed time and space when pulling to the left.

Defoe wriggled through the Slovenia defence soon after his goal and thundered a shot goalwards - Samir Handanovic was equal to it but the rebound fell to Gerrard, who was too precise with his follow-up and Handanovic just about kept it out.

England defended competently in the opening half but were reminded just how precarious their 1-0 lead was when a swirling free-kick saw David James come punching - hearts up and down the country were no doubt firmly lodged in mouths.