Defoe fires rejuvenated England into last 16

England's World Cup campaign finally took off Wednesday at the third attempt as Fabio Capello's side qualified for the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Slovenia. But the United States took top spot in Group C with an injury-time winner over Algeria, meaning England finished runners-up and Slovenia - who had begun the day on top of the table - were eliminated.

After accomplishing their do-or-die mission, England now face the winners of Group D, which contains Germany. Jermain Defoe started for England in place of Emile Heskey in one of the biggest gambles of manager Capello's career and the move paid dividends with the Tottenham striker's 23rd minute volleyed goal.

- This was the team which I loved to see in qualifying," said Capello. "We played with freedom, our minds were free-

Defoe was delighted with his contribution

- The victory was more important than my goal. We came out fired up for the game, we passed the ball well and got the early goal. We're through to the next round and that's the important thing-

England skipper Steven Gerrard cautioned against over-optimism after a stuttering campaign.

- You are always anxious when you need to win, but we showed passion, quality and desire- he said.

- We rolled up our sleeves and produced the goods. But we know that if we produce another performance like we did against Algeria, it'll be our last-

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek was devastated at missing out on the last 16.

- Of course we're disappointed but I hope in time my players can focus on what they've achieved- he said

- I congratulate my team and England, I hope England will win the World Cup-

- England played well but at the end we could have got a draw, but sport is like that, very unpredictable-

An opening 1-1 draw with the United States followed by the lame goalless stalemate with Algeria had left England staring at the possibility of failing to progress from the group stage for the first time since 1958. But England started brightly and Wayne Rooney raised the temperature when he raced onto a superb through ball and Slovenia's defence had their work cut out to stop Gerrard heading in his cross to the far post. Capello had called for John Terry to put up a "big performance" after his failed mutiny and the Chelsea defender responded, making a robust intervention to rob Robert Ljubijankic of the ball beside David James's near post.

Superb high ball

England's goal came from a superb high ball sent over by James Milner on the right wing for Defoe to volley past Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic. In almost a carbon copy move minutes later Milner crossed again, but this time Defoe's shot was parried by Handanovic with Frank Lampard pouncing on the clearance only to fire over the bar. It took a succession of fine saves from Handanovic to prevent England from doubling their lead as the Slovenia keeper kept out shots from Defoe and Gerrard.

Seconds after the restart Defoe could have got his second, but his goalmouth effort after great work by Rooney on the left went wide. He then had a goal disallowed for offside as England maintained their high tempo. A rejuvenated Rooney then grimaced as his close range effort hit Handanovic's right post. Slovenia though gave them a scare in the 67th minute when Terry, Johnson and James combined to deny a trio of quickfire shots from Milivoje Novakovic, substitute Ziatko Dedic and Valter Birsa.

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole made his 2010 World Cup debut, coming on for Rooney, with Defoe later making way for Heskey. With England having regained the form that saw them sail through their World Cup qualifying group it looked a matter of when, not if, they put the game to bed but hard as they tried a second goal proved beyond them But they held on, with Capello raising his hands in the air in delight and no doubt relief when the final whistle blew.