The Battle of Evermore

Slovenia 0 England 1

Here are my ratings:

David James - solid, assured, in charge. 8
Glen Johnson - best game so far, did little wrong, worked well with Milner. 8
John Terry - solid, great block early on, hassled, harried and led by example. 8
Matthew Upson - ditto Terry in all departments, plus a good forward run almost paid off. 8
Ashley Cole - arguably the best left back in the world, showed why. 8
Gareth Barry - least assured looking player, but still had a great game, despite some lapses of concentration. 7
Steven Gerard - great match, linked well with others; fought for everything. 8
Frank Lampard - relatively quiet but assured, made an error or two but fought hard and looked up for it. 7
James Milner - appalling first 15 minutes, followed by inspired next 75. Arguably England's man of the match. 9
Wayne Rooney - looked inspired by his opponents fight, looked to be carrying a knock, which was founded. Still to find his best and should have scored. 6
Jermaine Defoe - great goal, worked hard, but doesn't look like a world class striker on the world stage, yet; but that's what England is missing, a top drawer goalscorer. 7
Subs:
Joe Cole - looked off the pace in a difficult game to get into. 6
Emile Heskey - did what was expected of him. 6

Better performance, played with heart and passion against an obdurate defence that would have buckled had a second goal been scored.

The knockout competition has arrived, roll on Sunday!