No, England’s win wasn’t a pretty one. It was far from it, actually.
A few missed opportunities that could’ve seen the Three Lions through easily, the continued misunderstanding on the pitch between Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, a goalless Wayne Rooney and an evident lack of attacking creativity could’ve spelled disaster for England.
But the English fought hard on the pitch and, thanks to a James Milner and Jermain Defoe connection that looked dangerous in the middle of the first half, managed to pull off the crucial victory.
“We showed passion, fight and team spirit,” Gerrard said after the match.
“We have found the spirit [and] the quality of the play was really good,” said manager Fabio Capello, who won’t have to quit his post as he said he would if England failed to advance. “I’m sure we will play more with confidence.”
A large part of England’s narrow victory was their defense, especially in the final moments. Right back Glen Johnson and center backs John Terry and Matthew Upson defended well, and had it not been for Upson’s timely slide tackle on Slovenia’s Tim Matavz in the last minute of play, England fans everywhere would be in uproar instead of relief and delight.
The performance, however, was still a far cry from the England side that easily qualified to appear in South Africa and was expected to return the Cup home after a 44-year absence.
“We need to find consistency in the knockout stages,” Gerrard said. “If we perform like we did against Algeria, then we won't get another chance.”
If England can find that consistency, if they can manage to put the heavy pressure of the World Cup and learn to have fun on the pitch, Capello said his club is capable of beating anyone.
“Their minds are free and they can play without fear,” Capello said.
“We go again on Sunday and we don't care who we play,” Gerrard said. “If we play close to our potential, then we're a match for anyone."
