Match 37 - Group C
In Port Elizabeth, England faced off with Slovenia in a must-win game for the three lions. While Slovenia could advance with a win or a tie, England had no such luxury; the three lions would be heading home unless they manufactured a victory.
To that end, English skipper Fabio Capello shuffled his lineup for a third time, inserting Jermain Defoe for Emile Heskey, James Milner for Aaron Lennon, and Mathew Upson for Jamie Carragher.
And the strategy paid off in the 22nd minute when Milner found Defoe with a pinpoint cross from the right wing, and Jermain booted it into the Slovenian goal.
As for English goalkeeper David James, who started again in place of Robert Green, he was never seriously challenged in the first half. The three lions defended well, and their midfield held the majority of possession, preventing Slovenia from establishing any rhythm.
In the second half the three lions came out roaring. Striker Wayne Rooney played a quick corner for England, catching the Slovenians by surprise and presenting Defoe with an opportunity for his second goal of the match. Defoe couldn't connect, however, and Slovenia dodged the bullet.
Two minutes later, after a brilliant through-pass from Chelsea's Frank Lampard, Rooney connected again with Defoe, who slotted the ball into the empty net but was ruled offside.
In the 57th minute Rooney hit the post from point blank range, blowing an one-on-one with the keeper, capping off another underwhelming performance by his standards. After that, Coach Fabio Capello had seen enough and pulled the star striker for Joe Cole in the 71st minute.
Rooney has now gone eight consecutive games without a goal for England. And though the English advanced out of Group C with their 1-0 win over Slovenia, the three lions will need Rooney to return to his top form to get past Germany in the Round of 16.
Final Score: England 1 - Slovenia 0
