The England manager has demanded that the Capello Index be removed from the internet after insisting he had not seen or approved of the material before it was posted.

"I did not authorise this and am angry the index was published," Capello said in a statement released to Press Association Sport.

Earlier, Capello's representatives took steps to have the rankings removed from the internet, although the website, www.capelloindex.com, was still live late Saturday afternoon (UK time).

The rankings first appeared on Saturday morning, and were not kind to the England players after they were knocked out at the last-16 stage in South Africa with a 4-1 defeat to Germany.

Perhaps unsurprisingly given its early exit, not a single England international appeared in the top 45 players from the tournament, while Steven Gerrard was the only member of the squad to be ranked in the top 100 performers of the group stages, coming in at a lowly number 65.

That left him behind five players England faced in Group C - Michael Bradley (ranked 12th), Tim Howard (22), and Landon Donovan (29) of the United States, as well as Samir Handanovic (45) of Slovenia and Algeria's Rafik Halliche (52).

Also in the top 100 were Slovenia's Valter Birsa (84), the United States' Clint Dempsey (97) and Algeria's Antar Yahia (100).

Three England players were named in the top 100 up to the last 16 stage, with Gerrard ranked at number 71, John Terry at 87, and Matthew Upson sneaking in at 100.

Under the complicated system used by the website, Gerrard did not have the highest overall mark within the England squad, but his average score of 60.99 was the highest among those to feature in all four matches.

Jermain Defoe emerged with the highest average mark at 62.47, but only featured in two games.

Goalkeeper Robert Green got the lowest mark for the tournament with a score of 51.67, having only played in the opening match against the United States when his howling error gifted Dempsey a soft equaliser.

Capello ranked Uruguay's Diego Forlan the best player at the tournament overall, coming to the same conclusion as FIFA which awarded the Atletico Madrid man the Golden Ball accolade. His overall score was 65.77.

Two Germans came in second and third with Miroslav Klose followed by Thomas Muller.

Tournament winner Spain took the next three spots with Andres Iniesta fourth, Xavi fifth and David Villa sixth.

The top 10 was completed by Uruguay's Luis Suarez, Netherlands' Arjen Robben, Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The move brings into question the future of the controversial website.

Initially, it was planned to issue rankings for all World Cup games within two hours of the final whistle, but Capello was forced to abandon that after emergency talks with the Football Association, which was unhappy at a potential source of embarrassment.

A four-week trial of the index towards the end of last season, limited to players from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Liverpool - rated Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Sol Campbell as the best English central defenders, ahead of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

However, Dawson was not called up by Capello until Ferdinand pulled out through injury, and then did not feature even after King's tournament was ended early. Campbell was not in the squad.

Likewise, Joe Cole was ranked the third-best English midfield player after Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes, but once the tournament was under way, Capello's reluctance to use the former Chelsea man became a huge talking point.

This coming season, the Capello Index was due to provide rankings on all Premier League, Primera Division, Serie A and UEFA Champions League matches, promising to publish all data no more then two hours after the end of games.

The website uses a statistical system devised by Capello to analyse each player's performance and award a final score out of 100, rather than requiring the Italian to make a judgment call on each match.

Rooney failed to score in four matches and looked a shadow of the player who shone for Manchester United last season as England slipped out in the second round with a dismal 4-1 defeat to Germany.

The United manager was 'not totally surprised' by England's failure - but believes Rooney will come back better and stronger for the experience and thinks he will impress at the next World Cup in Brazil in 2014.

Ferguson explained: "I think there was such expectation on him. There was talk he was going to be the player of the tournament.

"Don't forget, that was the prelude to the whole thing - he was going to be the star, he was going to outshine them all - (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. So that level of expectation comes into it.

"And he's not got great experience of [playing in] the World Cup really. You wait, in four years' time you'll see a different player."

The Scot admitted he was 'baffled' by England's poor form in South Africa.

He continued: "That is going to be one of the imponderables - what has really happened and why are they [England] not getting better form. I watched their games and I was baffled by what I saw.

"Expectation was a big thing. They qualified from a group which you'd have to say was a million to one they wouldn't qualify from. So it was an easy passage into the finals.

"Maybe it would have been better if England had been in a tougher [qualifying] group. They'd have earned the right to be one of the favourites and it would have helped that they'd played good teams before they got there."

Ferguson agrees with those who believe Germany are benefiting from a mid-season break - and admitted the mentality of Joachim Low's team works in its favour.

Germany followed its defeat of England with a 4-0 humbling of Argentina which put it into the last four.

United was knocked out of last season's UEFA Champions League by a German team - Bayern Munich - and the Scot said: "The history they've got (in Germany) is quite incredible.

"That organised mentality they have, the belief in themselves, it carries them a long way.

"None of the English teams have any experience of playing in a semi-final at a World Cup. The German mentality is 'we are always in the semi-finals'.

"Plus the fact they get a month's rest in January - it must help. All the England team are playing in (the Premier League) so they're all affected [by the lack of a winter break]."

However, Ferguson is tipping Netherlands - which takes on Uruguay in the first semi-final - to win the World Cup.

He added: "I don't think they have played anywhere near their best form."

The FA has announced that the Italian will remain in charge of the England side despite failing at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Capello has two years remaining on a £6 million-a-year ($10.75 million) contract which was renegotiated just a month ago to remove an escape clause.

Mullery told Sky Sports News: "It didn't surprise me at all.

"I think if they had offered him the money for the two years he has got on his contract he probably would have gone, and quite willingly.

"But I don't think the FA have got that sort of money to pay a new manager, and if they have got to fork out £12 million ($21.50 million), I think they would rather keep him."

England struggled through the group stage at the World Cup and then crashed out of the tournament with a 4-1 thrashing by Germany at the last-16 stage.

Mullery feels Capello must now revamp his side for the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

Mullery, who won 35 caps and played in the 1970 World Cup, added: "Unless he gets rid of four or five senior players of a certain age and brings in some younger players, then the crowd are just not going to turn up for the first game as far as Wembley is concerned.

"Everyone I bump into, someone says, 'Weren't we a load of rubbish?'

"If they want to keep him that's fine, that's up to them, but I think he has got to do one hell of a lot more to bring back the crowds to watch his England football team."

Another former England international, Gerry Francis, has given Capello his backing but stressed it is important he learns from his mistakes.

Francis said on Sky Sports News: "He is England manager and it is very important we move on.

"He has been a brilliant club manager and has a very good record as a club manager but, as I learned when I spent years working with the England Under-19s, international football is different.

"You have got to be a lot more adaptable in formations and systems.

"His static 4-4-2 system was the cause of a lot of problems during the World Cup and I think he will have learned from this World Cup and learned you have got to be a lot more adaptable and play maybe 4-3-3, 4-5-1, which is used by most teams at international level.

"It is important - he is going to be here now - that he learns from the experience of this World Cup."

The former Arsenal forward told Sky Sports News: "I'm not happy with that. What has he done?

"He took us to the World Cup, which was made to look good because of the job Steve McClaren had done before that.

"I wasn't great as a manager at Walsall but I could have taken us to where we went in the World Cup, in the finals.

"I could have got us out of the group and got us beaten by Germany, quite easily. It wasn't good enough.

"Why would you keep the same person on? Keep on doing the same things and you'll get the same results, nothing will change."

Merson is also disappointed the FA are continuing with a non-English manager.

He added: "We have a system here where you have to pass all your badges to be a coach and a manager.

"It takes three or four years, a lot of time, and then they go and give the job to a foreigner. What is the point of taking these badges?"

The Football Association confirmed the news, bringing a swift end to speculation about the Italian's future.

"I am more determined than ever to succeed with the England team," said Capello.

The decision was taken following a meeting of the four-man Club England board, which decided unanimously to keep Capello, despite the Three Lions' woeful performance at the FIFA World Cup.

The full Football Association board subsequently ratified the recommendation, which means Capello will now continue in his £6 million-a-year ($10.75 million) role until the end of Euro 2012.

"Sir Dave Richards has called me to tell me everyone at The FA wants me to continue," said Capello.

"I explained it is very important we use the disappointment as a motivation in the future.

"I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in August."

Yet, within 24 hours, Capello was signalling his intention to continue, leaving the FA in no doubt it would be forced into a costly compensation exercise should it decide to part company with the 64-year-old.

Crucially, while many former players, including Alan Shearer, demanded Capello's sacking, those far closer to the action adopted a different approach.

Bolton Wanderers chairman - and senior FA figure - Phil Gartside, threw his weight behind Capello, which was seen as crucial given he is a long-time ally of Club England chairman Sir David Richards.

Another member of the FA hierarchy, David Sheepshanks, urged caution at virtually the same time as Roy Hodgson, the overwhelming favourite to replace Capello, was being installed as Liverpool manager.

The FA did have alternative options in Harry Redknapp and Stuart Pearce.

But given how much it was going to cost it, Capello's admittedly impressive record prior to the entire World Cup finals campaign, which started badly with the ill-fated 'Capello Index' and got worse virtually by the day, and the need to end the uncertainty, Richards feels the FA has reached the correct conclusion.

"We are all still extremely disappointed at our performance in South Africa, and we believed it was important that we took some time to reflect on everything in a calm and considered manner back in England," said Richards.

"After fully discussing our performance we remain convinced that Fabio is the best man for the job.

"He went into the World Cup with a reputation as one of World football's finest managers and we are confident Fabio will benefit from his first international tournament experience and this will undoubtedly make us all stronger for the Euro 2012 campaign."

Although it had been suggested some members of the FA board were unhappy at the way the Club England offshoot had taken full responsibility for the post-South Africa period, acting chairman Roger Burden expressed his support for the move.

He said: "The FA Board supports this decision.

"It is the right decision and will allow us now to rebuild for the future with Fabio leading us forward."

He has already offered a list of players who were not in South Africa who can hope to be involved, including Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, Arsenal trio Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs and Jack Wilshere and Fulham forward Bobby Zamora.

"We will look to introduce new players to give the team new energy and I will use all my experience to take England forward," said Capello.

"I am extremely proud to be the England manager, it means so much to me and I am determined to succeed."

Although Beckenbauer has repeatedly criticised England's tactics during the World Cup, at one stage labelling Fabio Capello's men a 'kick and rush' team who had gone backwards under the Italian, he admits he felt sorry for it after Frank Lampard's strike was not given.

The inexplicable decision not to award Lampard's 'goal', after the ball bounced off the underside of the bar and landed a clear two feet over the line, has been described in some quarters as German revenge for England's third goal, scored by Geoff Hurst, in the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley.

Yet Beckenbauer, who was the victim on that occasion, does not see the comparison.

He accepts there will never be a definitive answer to whether Hurst's shot crossed the line or not. Everyone knows Lampard's did.

"I was sorry for England that Lampard's goal was not spotted," Beckenbauer told the South African Times.

"There is no comparison here to the famous Wembley goal scored by England in 1966 in the final against West Germany.

"Whether or not that shot from Geoff Hurst crossed the line is something you can still debate today, even if computer projections have shown that it wasn't a goal.

"That Lampard's shot landed behind the line is much clearer."

Having ruled out the use of technology to assist match officials, FIFA president Sepp Blatter has conceded the matter has to be looked at again.

The influence of outside forces may end up being strictly limited, but any assistance is a good thing as far as Beckenbauer is concerned.

"I am pleased that the FIFA president wants to open the discussion again on perhaps using videos or microchip technology in the ball," said Beckenbauer.

"There is also talk of additional match officials behind the goal.

"Whatever helps the cause of justice is also good for football. Just as long as it doesn't get too complicated."

The 35-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder missed out on the chance to play at a fourth FIFA World Cup finals when he suffered a ruptured Achilles while on loan at AC Milan.

However, Beckham was invited along as part of the England group by Capello and sat on the bench for what turned out to be a wretched campaign, which ended with 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last 16.

The future of Capello, whose contract runs until after the 2012 European championship, remains uncertain as the Football Association weighs up its options.

It has been suggested former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham should take charge of the side, backed up by more experienced coaches, a bit like Diego Maradona has done with Argentina.

However, Beckham, who holds the record number of appearances for an outfield England player at 115, insists he is not ready to move into the dugout just yet.

Beckham told Yahoo! Sport: "While I am flattered to be talked about as a coach and am always available for my country, whenever I am needed, I still see myself as a player and remain supportive of the manager."

The England midfielder, however, accepts the Three Lions were just not good enough in South Africa.

"We didn't play at the level we knew that we were capable of," said the former England skipper.

"Over the four matches we weren't good enough and regardless of the goal that never was, Germany played better than we did over the 90 minutes and deserved to go through.

"Having seen the lads in training, the spirit was good, everyone trained at a really high level, it was just disappointing we couldn't transfer that onto the pitch.

"As a team, we have to learn from everything that's happened, come back stronger and play to our potential."

The A:3K Football event at London's O2 Arena scheduled for 17 July has been postponed until next northern summer because of their decision to pull out.

The England duo were due to compete in a series of head-to-head challenges billed as a 'gladiatorial skills-based challenge' alongside Cesc Fabregas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and David Villa.

But it has been announced the event has been abandoned for this year, just a day after Fabio Capello's team returned from South Africa amid a torrent of criticism.

It exited the World Cup with a 4-1 last-16 defeat to Germany, the nadir of a dire month that saw it win one match out of four.

Rooney was a huge disappointment throughout while Gerrard, the captain, suffered from being played out of position.

Terry Byrne, director of A:3K, said: "Both Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have made it clear they believe it would be inappropriate for them to participate in A:3K at this time.

"We fully understand and respect both players' decisions. We could have replaced them with two other players but feel the players involved are six of the best in the world and that is what we promised we would deliver.

"Having consulted all parties involved, everyone agreed the only decision possible was to postpone the event until next summer when we intend to deliver the same six player line-up."

There was little opposition from event organisers once Rooney and Gerrard revealed their intention to withdraw.

President of international touring for AEG Live Rob Hallett, who was promoting the event, said: "As a football fan I totally understand and respect Steven and Wayne's decision to postpone their involvement in A:3K until next year.

"We look forward to hosting the event at the O2 Arena on the rescheduled date in June 2011."

Rooney and Gerrard, who were reportedly being paid £500,000 ($894,867) each for the two-hour appearance, were faced with little choice.

The fallout from a lamentable World Cup has seen England's players subjected to stinging criticism and could yet claim coach Fabio Capello, whose future is being debated by the Football Association.

To appear at an event publicised as 'six football superstars demonstrating the core skills that have made them what they are' would have been a PR disaster.

Rooney and Gerrard are not alone among the participants who have, for a variety of reasons, failed to deliver in South Africa, however.

An injured Drogba exited in the group stages with Cote d'Ivoire, while Ronaldo cut a dejected figure as he was starved of possession in Portugal's defeat to Spain.

Ronaldo was expected to be one of the stars of the tournament but was restricted by an ordinary Portugal side employing a negative gameplan.

The Spaniards have fared better with Villa in sensational form, though Arsenal captain Fabregas has had to settle for a place on the bench.

Current incumbent Fabio Capello spoke of the need for a break in his final press conference before England departed South Africa.

The Three Lions had been tipped as one of the favourites for the World Cup but a string of poor performances culminated in a 4-1 thumping at the hands of old foe Germany in the last-16.

Speaking on the Victoria Derbyshire programme on Radio Five Live, Eriksson said: "I don't think there is anything wrong with English football. The only thing I was fighting for (when I was in charge) was a winter break, but because of money the Premier League never accepted that.

"England is the only country in Europe without a break and when it comes to these big tournaments they are suffering for it."

Eriksson was also asked if he had been approached about returning to the Premier League with Fulham, with the Cottagers' current boss Roy Hodgson expected to be unveiled as Liverpool manager.

"I have heard some rumours but there are absolutely no facts behind it," said the Swede. "I think they have a brilliant manager and I do not know if he is staying or, as rumoured, going to Liverpool, but so far I have heard nothing."

But Eriksson, who took charge of Cote d'Ivoire in South Africa, reiterated his desire to work in England's top flight again.

He said: "It's a dream for every manager going into the Premier League, it is the best league in the world."

Of his own experiences in South Africa, Eriksson felt Cote d'Ivoire was very unfortunate not to advance beyond the group stages, where it was handed a tough draw with Brazil, Portugal and Korea DPR.

"We were not lucky," said the 62-year-old.

"(Didier) Drogba got injured days before the World Cup. He could play but he was not at 100 percent.

"We had a difficult group but I think we played good football and I am proud of the players. We played good, organised football with good discipline. I think a team like Ivory Coast will have a big future."

The former Manchester City boss is also pleased to see Ghana flying the flag for the host continent by reaching the quarter-finals.

"It's good for the whole of Africa that one team can go as long as possible," he said.

Sir Dave Richards, the Premier League chairman who also heads the new 'Club England', will spend the next couple of weeks taking stock of the situation before making a recommendation to the FA board.

The chances of Capello being sacked look to be receding by the day however. It is understood that Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development and a key figure in the process, will recommend that Capello is kept on for the rest of his contract until 2012.

Brooking's view is that replacing him with another coach will not solve the underlying problem with English football, and a number of FA board and international committee members are also of the same opinion.

At the FA's post mortem of the World Cup fiasco, Brooking will argue for a properly-funded long-term masterplan to bring through young players, starting by increasing the number of coaches at youth level.

Capello's 10 years' experience working at AC Milan's academy during the 1980s also adds weight to the argument for him to stay as he could have a major input into the future development of young players.

Some FA figures believe the £9 million ($15.98 million) that would be saved by not firing Capello and employing a replacement on a similar salary level would be a good start in terms of funding youth development.

The remaining two years on Capello's contract would also give Stuart Pearce more experience both at under-21 level and as the Italian's assistant, and grooming him to be a ready-made replacement in 2012.

The FA's post mortem will also include a big debate on the future of youth football.

The Professional Game Youth Development Group, set up in 2008 following a review by Richard Lewis and headed by Howard Wilkinson, was disbanded after just one year by the Football League and Premier League.

Amazingly, since then there has been no decision-making body in control of youth development in English football.

It would be almost impossible to impose the much-touted Bundesliga model on Premier League clubs, but it will be made clear to FA chiefs how Germany reacted to its failure at Euro 2000 by completely shaking up its youth development system, and how it has reaped the rewards with its young team at this World Cup.

Richard Caborn, the former sports minister who forced through the Burns review of the FA, said sacking Capello would solve nothing.

Caborn told Press Association Sport: "We can't just deal with the symptoms, we have to get to the root of the problem.

"English football and the Premier League have to come together to develop young English players.

"Fabio Capello is one of the best coaches in the world and if the FA replace him then it is just papering over the cracks and the same problem will come up again."

As the inquest continues into England's dismal showing in South Africa and debate rages over whether Fabio Capello should continue in his job, Germany is preparing for a quarter-final showdown with Argentina in a state of quiet satisfaction.

Yet again, the country England has not managed to beat at a World Cup finals tournament since 1966 came out on top, this time by a record score.

Muller grabbed the last two goals in the 4-1 win in Bloemfontein, becoming the youngest player since Pele to score more than once in any World Cup finals match.

The achievement placed those lofty English reputations into some kind of perspective, totally overshadowing a number of high-profile Three Lions despite only just turning 20.

And, as the world has a view on why England should continue to under-perform so badly, Muller has his own take on the disappointment, which does not make for pretty reading.

"England have so many top stars in their squad that they will always be part and parcel of the international football scene," reflected Muller.

"But there are so many 'alpha males'. It is difficult to have so many 'alpha males' and have them row in the same direction.

"You don't only need only chiefs, you also need a few Indians.

"You need people who are ready and willing to do the hard work.

"It may be a problem with England that players are simply not mentally prepared to go that extra mile for their team-mates."

The argument would certainly put a fresh slant on the disunity that existed within the England dressing room and the difficulty some senior players had with life at 'Camp Capello'.

After his brutal ending of a John Terry-inspired uprising, Capello did appear to lessen the restrictions, even offering his players the chance of a beer before the matches against Slovenia and Germany.

Whether anyone is now prepared to challenge this version of events as it becomes more likely the Italian will remain in his job is open to debate - although if, as seems certain, some senior figures have played their last game, further revelations may be made in the autumn if and when Capello begins his cull.

None of this is Muller's problem.

He has already had some fun at England's expense, having been part of the Bayern Munich side that dumped Manchester United out of the UEFA Champions League this season on its way to the final, where it was eventually beaten by Inter Milan.

However, with the German league and cup double secured, it was a pretty impressive club campaign Muller is hoping to eclipse on the international front.

"The England match was the icing on the cake to a fantastic season," he said.

"But this does not mean it should stop here.

"I would love for the tournament to go on for the team and myself, even if I don't score. I really want us to be in that semi-final."

The England squad returned to the UK after a disastrous tournament in South Africa which ended in humiliating fashion with a 4-1 defeat to Germany in the last-16.

Prior to that Capello's side had struggled through the group stage, but Regis - who won five caps for England in the 1980s - believes problems were already in evidence during the team's three warm-up fixtures against Mexico, Japan and South African side Platinum Stars.

"Although the manager usually carries the can, the players didn't perform well and they have to be culpable as well," Regis told Press Association Sport.

"But part of the manager's job is to problem-solve, find out what is going on, why the players aren't performing well and rectify it.

"Going back to Mexico, Japan and the Platinum Stars, it was clear that they weren't playing well and didn't function as a team.

"There were problems and they didn't look organised. Sadly, Capello never fixed it."

Capello is waiting to discover from the Football Association whether he is to retain his position as England head coach.

Asked if he felt the Italian should lose his job, Regis said: "I'm not saying that, but we have to look at what went wrong, why he didn't fix it and what was required of him."

At times during the World Cup England's players looked as if they were having trouble coping with the weight of expectation upon them and Regis feels their relationship with Capello lacked the kind of warmth shown by the Argentina team towards coach Diego Maradona.

"Part of any manager's job is to take out the fear, to relieve that pressure," Regis said.

"You look at Argentina and the response from the players towards Diego Maradona.

"When Carlos Tevez scored a fantastic goal they went over and hugged Maradona and there is a real affection for him there. We didn't see that in the England side."

Hodge, a member of the England squad at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, was impressed with Milner's contribution in his first tournament at senior level.

The Aston Villa player set up the goal for Jermain Defoe against Slovenia which clinched England's spot in the last 16.

Hodge, a former Villa player, told the club's official website: "I'm sure there will be big changes.

"Many of the players are around the 30 mark so you would wonder if they'll still be around for the next World Cup.

"But James Milner can take some positives and will gain from the experience though.

"Milner is only 24 so you would hope he'd have a few more major tournaments in him in a new-look England side.

"I was only 23 after the World Cup in 1986 and I came back with a real spring in my step through having played on that stage.

"Hopefully the same thing will happen to James and, even though he'll be very disappointed now, he can take confidence from having played in a World Cup."

Hodge added: "I think Milner was a little bit hard done by to be taken off after half-an-hour against the USA.

"But he stormed back against Slovenia after being rested for the Algeria game.

"But I don't think anybody did themselves justice against Germany, they just weren't good enough, and James was caught up in that poor performance."

A number of unnamed players had shirts, a medal and underwear taken by members of the cleaning staff at their Royal Bafokeng base, which England used for the duration of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

The goods were eventually located and returned, while five hotel workers were convicted of the thefts by a special World Cup court.

"We can confirm that some items went missing, which have thankfully been returned," said an FA spokesman.

"The local police have dealt with the matter and, as far as we are concerned, it has been resolved."

And the veteran striker, who opened the scoring in the last-16 encounter in Bloemfontein which the Germans went on to win 4-1, claimed England paid the price for not playing as a team.

Bayern Munich team-mate Thomas Muller scored a brace, while the other goal came from Lukas Podolski as Germany went on to secure its biggest triumph over its old rivals.

"I think the key factor is presenting yourself as a team, as a unit and I didn't quite have the feeling that this was the case with England," Klose said.

"We thought about these things prior to the game, just what the English team could have achieved. There's the famous 40 years of hurt coming into play here.

"They could have really been the team that ended our World Cup dreams.

"But five, six, seven minutes into the game we sort of realised that 'hey, they're not really up to it and we can beat them today'."

Klose also felt Germany's ability to play as a team was key to the win.

He continued: "I think its all down to a certain quality we know we have.

"You see it everyday in training and as I said many times before, it's crucial to have self belief and present yourself as a true team on the pitch.

"I think that is what really helped in taking the wind out of the English sail.

"I think we were there as a team and that probably didn't seem to be the case with England."

Joachim Low's team will now play in Argentina in the quarter-finals - a team Klose feels is in a different class to England.

He said: "If you looked at it against England, on paper they were definitely stronger, more renowned and more famous.

"But it didn't really translate into performance on the pitch, which is where we come in.

"We're just a compact unit and it has proved again that Germany is a 'tournament team', one that gels as the tournament goes on.

"But we shouldn't compare England with Argentina. I think Argentina really do play in a different league. But I think we are in a position to try and hurt them."

The last time the two sides met a World Cup was four years ago on home soil when the Europeans won 4-2 on penalties at the same stage.

"I think a whole lot has happened in the Argentina camp between 2006 and now. Back then (Lionel) Messi was sitting on the bench, (Gonzalo) Higuain has come into play and it's same as far as the German team as well," Klose said.

"Even so, if you just look at the names on a one-on-one basis, then Argentina on paper should be considered a stronger side."

On its coach, Diego Maradona, he added: "What I have seen on TV about Maradona as a player, I clearly don't have enough time to explain.

"As a coach, they all find that he is a fantastic coach and having such a personality on the bench can only be an advantage for Argentina."

Yet again, the Three Lions are licking their wounds after getting mauled at a major tournament.

The inevitable inquests have already been launched as to how England's so-called 'Golden Generation' have slumped quite so badly, and what chance there is of an improvement for Euro 2012.

It seems the answer to the latter question is 'not much' judging by the paucity of talent coming through Premier League ranks.

The problem was highlighted by Brooking, the FA's youth development officer, in an extensive interview 10 days ago.

"Clubs are understanding the importance of developing young players," said Brooking.

"We need to invest in specialised younger-age group coaching.

"The old days when I played informally around the corner with my mates, developing my skills base, are not going happen anymore.

"An 11-year-old youngster in this country isn't good enough technically so we have to play more short-sided games and do more ball work."

Those technical deficiencies were obvious in Bloemfontein as England subsided to its worst ever defeat by Germany.

German coach Joachim Low admitted he had highlighted obvious defensive frailties for his team to exploit and in the second half, as England desperately chased the game, Germany was able to pick its opponents off with ease on the counter-attack.

"The way the game is going is pretty clear," said Brooking.

"Teams are keeping the ball on the floor more. In the back four, you want all players to be technically comfortable.

"It all starts at the back and we want to encourage the grass roots this is the way to play."

While the old arguments about Premier League self-interest will be raised whenever the issue of youth development is brought up, Brooking has highlighted a major reason why big clubs should take note; the new 50 percent tax rate and the fluctuating exchange rate, which will make it significantly more expensive to lure top players to England.

"If you wanted to bring the same overseas player in now as two years ago it would cost you a third as much again because of the Euro," said Brooking.

"Players also want to know what the net tax figure is for their contract, so it is going to cost the clubs a lot more.

"It means there is a big onus on us to produce better English players because the clubs won't be able to afford to bring them in from overseas."

The process will not be a quick one though.

Brooking estimates it will be five years before the Under-17 side that won this northern summer's European championship will be challenging for full England honours, which means some dark days might be approaching.

"World Cup 2014 will be difficult for England," said Brooking.

"I don't think there are the obvious quality players coming through who can replicate what we have currently unless we can fast-track one or two of the younger ones, which is asking a lot."

Bradley's team had a mixed FIFA World Cup campaign, topping Group C ahead of England but falling at the first knockout hurdle against Ghana.

United States Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati admitted he and Bradley would meet to discuss their next move in the next two weeks.

"I will sit down with Bob and we will talk about the goods and the bads of the tournament and of the four years," Gulati told the Washington Post.

"That is the appropriate thing. I want to hear his views, express some of mine and see what makes sense. I think he has done a very good job, that is very clear."

It remains to be seen whether Bradley, whose contract is due to expire in December, will want stay on, with Gulati admitting: "He may want a different challenge - I don't know."

Capello's future has been the subject of speculation both before and since England's dismal FIFA World Cup exit against Germany, with suggestions he could be axed from his role.

And he said: "I spoke this morning with (Club England chairman) Sir Dave Richards and he told me that he needs two weeks to decide."

Asked whether he would like to stay in his role, the Italian said: "Absolutely.

"I said I can be the manager of England for the next season, but it is for him (Richards) to decide.

"We spoke also about the players that can play for the next qualification and I know what I have to do."

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington indicated the FA had sought to give ithself time to consider Capello's position, rather than making a 'knee-jerk reaction' in the wake of the 4-1 defeat in Bloemfontein.

"Sir Dave Richardson met with Fabio this morning and we are all very clear that Fabio is under contract with the FA until the 2012 European Championships and nothing has changed in that respect," Bevington said.

"Obviously everybody is very disappointed today with the fact that we've gone out of the World Cup in a manner that everyone back in England and the fans that have travelled are incredibly frustrated with.

"So it makes perfect sense for us to go back to London and take stock of the situation, reflect fully on the tournament and see what we can take from it and just speak to Fabio from there.

"I don't think there is anything sinister in it beyond that other than we just want to make sure that we show a common-sense approach rather than making any other snap knee-jerk reactions within 24 hours of a very disappointing result."

Reacting to Bevington's comments, Capello said: "Yes I think it is an intelligent answer.

"I have got a contract. I refused a lot of opportunities to be a manager from a lot of important clubs because I would like to stay here.

"I like this job. I like to be England manager."

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was a particular focus of attention during a string of below-par displays, but Capello maintained the problems applied on a more general level.

"Not Wayne Rooney, but important English players were really tired," he said. "The coaches told me that the physical situation was not like the players that we know.

"The players were not as good as I know because they played not so fast, not so quick. I can see through the seven games (including warm-up games against Egypt, Mexico and Japan) they were not so fast as I know."

He added: "I understand a lot after this tournament because the players trained very well and were focused every time but the performance was not at the level that I know. Probably we are really tired every time at a competition that we have to play."

On the winter break issue, he added: "Germany always arrive at the second part of the season very well when you play Champions League.

"The reason is that it's very important to recover the force, but it's not my job to decide over the calendar."

The Italian also rejected suggestions that some of the players he omitted from his final 23-man squad, such as Adam Johnson or Theo Walcott, would have made a difference and been fresher than those selected.

"When I chose the players I had been following the players for a very long time and I decided on the best players who finished the season," Capello said.

"If they are fresher I don't know. Adam Johnson played a lot of games."

Capello came under heavy criticism for his rigid adherence to a 4-4-2 formation, refusing to play Steven Gerrard in a deeper role behind Rooney, but he insisted the system works, pointing to England's impressive performances in qualification.

"I think you can decide on a different style but a good style depends on the form of the players," he said.

"We played this style for a long time and the results were very good.

"Sometimes you can change with the game but that depends on the physical situation and not the style. The style always depends on the players in my squad."

Capello was also asked if he felt he still justified his £6 million ($10.36 million) annual salary.

He said: "When they decided to pick me to be manager I spoke with the people and they decided to give me this money. But I think it is not about the money, it is the value of the man."

Bevington added: "It is not Fabio who sets his salary. Fabio going into this tournament had an outstanding record in qualifying England for the World Cup.

"We are all very disappointed that we are leaving so early in the competition. It is very important that we appreciate that we hired Fabio when as a nation we were on the floor, having failed to qualify for a major tournament, and Fabio restored that confidence with a successful qualification campaign and we need to put that into context."

An awful campaign in South Africa came to an end with a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany, a result which has placed huge pressure on Capello to resign.

Should the Italian quit - or be sacked by the Football Association - Redknapp would be a contender to replace him and the 63-year-old would relish the opportunity to lead his country.

He told talkSPORT: "I'm English, who wouldn't want to manage England?

"There's not an Englishman - whether it's me, Roy Hodgson or Sam Allardyce - who would turn the job down because it's our country and we want to manage our country.

"No-one is ever going to turn that job down."

Following the appointments of Capello, and Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson before him, Redknapp feels it is time to appoint an Englishman.

"Could you imagine an Englishman managing the Italian national team? It doesn't happen.

"The Germans are the same, they have a German manager. We've ended up with two foreign managers.

"This guy [Capello] has a fantastic record at club level. But look, we've had a go with it now. When he finally moves on, in four years or whatever, surely there has to be a young guy or somebody in this country, surely we have to find a manager from England, an English manager.

"I'm not talking about a Scottish manager or an Irish manager, I'm talking about an English manager because this is where we're from, this is our country.

"We should be able to produce someone who can manage the England football team and let's be honest, they can't do any worse than what they've [Eriksson and Capello] done."

Redknapp was critical of England's performances at the World Cup, adding: "The players haven't performed.

"The whole package hasn't worked in this World Cup. I was England all the way and really thought it was our big chance, the best chance we've had of winning the World Cup since 1966. It's been a massive disappointment.

"We were average against the USA. We were disgusting against Algeria. We were better against Slovenia, but what a poor team they were. They'd be lucky to survive in the Championship."

England tamely exited the FIFA World Cup with a dismal 4-1 defeat to Germany, prompting the start of the inevitable inquest into its failings.

And Butcher told Sky Sports News: "Does it mean as much to play for your country as it did before? I don't think it does.

"They don't get paid by England, they get paid by their clubs, so you can understand the manager saying 'don't get injured, you've got a big Champions League match, a big game in the Premier League next week'.

"I don't think our players are totally committed to England as they have been in the past because they have to play these big games for their clubs.

"If you look at the Germans, and other countries as well, it means a hell of a lot to play for their country."

He also had words of criticism for coach Fabio Capello, observing: "We've paid Capello an awful lot of money, we've been under his stewardship for what, 18 months now, and we're still playing 4-4-2, which we were playing in the World Cup in 1982."

Those thoughts were echoed by another former national team skipper, David Platt, who added: "There is no shame in getting beaten by Germany, the shame comes in the manner in which we were beaten yesterday, and I think Capello has to take a massive slice of that.

"For the best part of 90 minutes we were absolutely destroyed by Germany, tactically. We weren't destroyed because of the ability of this player or that player, we were destroyed because Germany had a game plan, they produced it and there was no reaction from Fabio Capello.

"He's got it wrong in terms of the formation. Managers and coaches can get it wrong, what they're paid a lot of money to do is recognise where it's going wrong and put it right while the game's going on."

But Alan Mullery, who won 35 caps for England between 1964 and 1971, argued: "Throwing everything on the manager is very unfair, he wants the players to go out and play but they let him down.

"They let the English public down and they let Capello down because none of them played to the level of ability that we know they've got.

"The FA haven't let anybody down. The FA don't play and neither does Capello any more. It's the players that have let the country down."

Paul Parker, who played for England in its surge to the semi-finals in 1990, wants the FA to return to traditional values and restore a homegrown coach to the top job.

And Parker believes his one-time international team-mate, and current England assistant Stuart Pearce, would fit the bill.

"For me personally I think we have got to change and go back to basics," Parker told www.betfred.com

"All the top nations who we sit at home and watch, all the countries who we think can win the World Cup, their managers are from that country.

"You will get heart with Stuart Pearce and sitting next to Fabio Capello will have given him some different ideas, some he will keep and some he will chuck out. We all knew what Stuart was like when he wore the England shirt and when he played he didn't have many bad games. You knew one thing you were going to get 100 percent when he put that jersey on, and I think that's what we need now."

Lampard will be 36 by the time of the next World Cup in Brazil and the likes of Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Emile Heskey are already over 30.

But the Chelsea midfielder, denied a goal when his shot had clearly crossed the line, has no intention of quitting international football.

He said: "I want to carry on with England. I think there will be a lot of talking, not just about me.

"It's important players go away and don't listen to it and concentrate on our jobs now.

"The talk is great for the people who are involved in that sort of thing but it doesn't actually make any difference.

"We'll try and carry on, that's what we have to do.

"Only one team wins the World Cup and the rest go home at some stage and don't win it so the talking is by the by.

"We'll have to come back and try and perform."

But when asked if there should be major changes, Lampard said: "You know what, I don't really want to talk about it at the moment.

"We will worry about that when we start again."

Lampard has suffered his fair share of setbacks at international level and admits England's last-16 reversal is on a par with any of them.

He said: "There is bitter disappointment. It's right up there with other disappointments.

"You are at a World Cup and we felt we could have got a bit of momentum after the Slovenia game."

At the beginning of the FIFA World Cup, German great Franz Beckenbauer rekindled the rivalry between the two footballing powers by criticising England's style of play and is backing Germany to win in Bloemfontein.

"You need to respect this team but not fear them because they were poor during their first two matches of this World Cup," Beckenbauer wrote in his column for German daily Bild during the week.

'Der Kaiser' was backed by his former team-mate Uwe Seeler, who said England lacked speed and the element of surprise.

But Klinsmann, like Beckenbauer a former Germany player and coach, says England has the strength to snuff out the dreams of the three-times winner.

"We are talking about an England team that, when they are up to it and have reached their capabilities, is an outstanding team," he was quoted as saying in Britain's Sun newspaper.

"Just look at the players. You have Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard and then Wayne Rooney up front.

"England have players who can really make a difference.

"They have had their problems in South Africa but many teams have had difficulties. Take Italy, France and Spain."

He said England showed during qualification for the tournament that it can play good football and he was expecting the team to 'give us a big fight on Sunday'.

"They will now have far more energy and far more self-confidence after beating Slovenia," he said.

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker also admits that England could win but believes Germany is more of a cohesive unit.

"I think there's more pressure on the England players because the core of the team won't play in four years' time," he wrote in Daily Telegraph.

"By 2014, they are going to be too old. They are called the golden generation and yet they haven't won a big championship. They know that it's now or never for them at the World Cup.

"Germany have only one or two star players, and England have three in Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and John Terry, but Germany seem to be more of a unit, more of a team. And it is a team competition," he added.

"England against Germany is the ultimate match. We all wanted to see it. Both countries haven't played great, but we got through," he said.

Manchester United striker Michael Owen has added his voice to those of former greats Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan in believing England can win.

Owen, who scored a hat-trick in the 5-1 hammering of Germany in Munich in 2001, writing in Daily Telegraph, said: "If I was in the England team on Sunday, I would take inspiration from the memory of Munich.

"But I would also realise that the first goal will be so, so important. We cannot count on a 5-1 again. If England concede a goal it is not all over, but it is going to be a tight game.

"I know there is loads of history between England and Germany but that will not affect the players on Sunday. Half the squad will not remember 1990. Only these last few games like Munich will be remembered," he added.

"I still believe England will go far at this World Cup. My only concern is that I just hope that last-second goal from Landon Donovan (that took the United States to the top of the group) does not cost us too much," he said.

"I look at the path the United States have compared to the one we potentially have. We are playing against a tough German side, who are certainly beatable, but then it looks like Argentina, which would be a real acid test and there is also a lot of history there.

"Donovan's goal has really hurt us but I am still confident."

Having been tipped to become one of the major stars in South Africa, Rooney heads into the mouth-watering last-16 clash with Germany still waiting for his first goal.

Overall, his barren streak with the Three Lions stretches back eight games, to September last year when he scored in the five-goal demolition of Croatia at Wembley.

Although the 24-year-old did impress at times during the do-or-die win over Slovenia, he still seems troubled by the ankle injury he sustained on UEFA Champions League duty for Manchester United at the beginning of April.

An ill-advised rant at the England fans who booed the team after that tepid draw with Algeria offered a further hint all is not well with Fabio Capello's talisman.

However, Carragher has no doubt Rooney will eventually shine brightly.

"We are just waiting for Wayne to take off," said Carragher.

"If he had been banging all sorts of goals in of course we would be delighted but the way I look at it, if Wayne Rooney has gone eight games without a goal there must be one round the corner."

Carragher can speak with such certainty because he realises the hype that has grown around Rooney is not based on a false assessment.

From watching him, playing against him and now, training with him, the Liverpool defender can see the ability that has been lauded by so many.

"Rooney is one of the best players in the world," he said.

"He was the top player in the country this season. There are no worries there.

"I suppose if he had three quiet games at Manchester United he would always have another chance to put it right.

"With England there is a lot more focus.

"We didn't create too much in the first game and, as a striker, you can't do it on your own.

"But he played well against Slovenia. If we keep creating chances I am sure he will put them away because special players produce special moments."

And while to the outside world it seems as though Rooney is having an internal battle to get the best from himself, Carragher does not see the same thing.

Having been brought up in the same part of the world, he has a similar mentality.

And he does not view Rooney's strife as being due to any demons in his head.

"Wayne won't change," he said.

"He is still the same lad from Liverpool. We are all pretty sure we can fight the world and change things. He is no different to anyone else.

"I don't work with him every day at Manchester United but he just seems normal to me.

"He is a striker. He would like to get off the mark.

"You have this with top players. I have been through it with Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, when they go through a little quiet patch people question them.

"But players who are that good can always produce something different in an instant. Steven is like that and Wayne is just the same."

Asamoah Gyan scored the winning goal after three minutes of extra-time at the Royal Bafokeng stadium after Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng had put Ghana ahead, only to be pegged back by a Landon Donovan penalty after Fulham's Clint Dempsey was brought down in the area.

Ghana will now face Uruguay in the quarter-final and Rajevac said: "Ghana are now among the eight best teams in the world. This is fantastic. When we reached final of the African Cup the boys learned how to compete. That is the most important thing and I now hope Ghana will go further.

"The whole world is watching these games. Everybody loves good football. Ghana has the support of the whole world because it is the only African country still playing at the World Cup."

It was a theme taken up by man of the match, Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew, who said: "We had to fight to the last second and we gave our all. We fought for the continent and for Ghana. We hope the whole African nation is proud.

"Everything is possible. We are very tired but we have five days rest and will focus for the next game against Uruguay. They have great strikers but if God is behind us anything is possible.

"We were disappointed there was no African team with us. We need to make the whole continent proud and we feel we have the whole continent behind us and that gives us energy."

Unfortunately, Ayew misses the Uruguay game because he picked up a second yellow card and Rajevac added: "This is a major problem for the Uruguay game. There are also a lot of injuries and a lot of work for the medical staff."

United States coach Bob Bradley blamed his side's tendency to lose early goals for its defeat.

He said: "I thought we had the chance to finish the game. But we went down early in extra-time and we have done that one too many times. We hurt ourselves giving up the early goal again."

Rooney has so far struggled to make the expected impact in South Africa despite England advancing to the knockout stages.

The Manchester United striker failed to hit the target in all three group matches with United States, Algeria and Slovenia.

But Gerrard is convinced the explosive form of the 24-year-old in training is a clear sign Rooney is in the mood to punish England's old rival.

The Liverpool midfielder said: "The pressure is not just on Rooney but all the team - but top players put pressure on themselves. I am sure Wayne does so in his own spare time.

"But it is only a matter of time before Wayne scores in this tournament and hopefully that is tomorrow.

"I have every confidence that he will play well tomorrow because he played well in the last game and he is looking really sharp in training."

Coach Fabio Capello echoed Gerrard's sentiments about Rooney.

The Italian said: "Wayne is training very well and scored a lot of goals. We hope tomorrow will be the same.

"Always Rooney is a very good player. He didn't score in the last few games but always he is a very important player for us with his movement and everything he does during the game."

Gerrard insists England will be ready for all eventualities - including the last-16 meeting going to penalties.

England suffered the heartbreak of losing the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96 semi-final to Germany on spot-kicks.

He said: "We are very confident going into the game. We are on the back of a good performance against Slovenia.

"The mood is good, we have prepared hard for this game and we will do whatever it takes to get across the line into the last eight.

"It is going to be a very difficult game. Ideally we want to win the game in 90 minutes but if we have to go to extra-time and penalties, we will be ready."

Gerrard is aware of the expectations back home and the pressure on the players to perform in this game but he is relishing the challenge ahead rather than being fazed by the encounter.

He said: "The experience helps in being ready for this game. I have been involved in massive games throughout my career and that will hold me in good stead.

"There is a lot of pressure because there is so much at stake but it is more excitement and I am looking forward to it. I can't wait to get out there for the game."

Gerrard was part of the England team beaten by penalties in the 2006 World Cup.

He said: "I don't know if this is bigger than the Portugal because, at the time when we played Portugal, that was a massive game as well.

"That is history, this is now. We are not in control of that game anymore. That is history.

"What I am in control of is tomorrow's game, to make myself and the team play well, and we do everything we can and have no regrets after tomorrow."

Capello has faith in his players to deliver the victory millions of supporters back in England are hoping for.

He said: "It is a very important game, one of the more important, because we want to go forward and play the next game.

"I know the value of Germany but I also know the value of my players.

"The pressure is normal when you play the World Cup and the players understand that as well."

But the England midfielder would be willing to step forward if needed should his side's FIFA World Cup last-16 match with Germany go to a shootout.

Cole has not been previously put on the spot while at West Ham, Chelsea or with his country.

He told BBC Sport: "I've never taken one professionally. When I was at West Ham we had Paolo Di Canio who always took them.

"At Chelsea it's Frank Lampard and with England it was David Beckham so I've never taken one.

"That's not to say I wouldn't. You have to be more of a man and step up and take one rather than shying away.

"But I don't think it will be a surprise who the first five would be.

"You look at Gareth Barry, Frank (Lampard), Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney. If the manager then looks at me, I'd say yes."

Cole has become the 12th England player to play in three World Cups after Billy Wright, Tom Finney, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Peter Shilton, Terry Butcher, Bryan Robson, Sol Campbell, Beckham, Michael Owen and Ashley Cole.

He said: "That's a good list to be on. It's unbelievable, incredible.

"But I think there will be a few more. We all started young so a few more will get there - and maybe a few could get to four World Cups."

Cole admits he is not a fan of the 'Golden Generation' tag given to the current crop of England players because they have never won a major tournament.

But Cole, who is to be released by Chelsea this northern summer, is more optimistic than ever that England can triumph in 2010 and overcome Germany.

Cole said: "We don't like to be called the Golden Generation. That was put upon us. We don't like it because we've not won anything.

"I remember the Portugal team who were called the same and they never won anything either. We want to win something. Then people can rightly call us that.

"But I think we can do it this time. I've never felt it like this before in other tournaments.

"You always think you can do it but this time I think it's our time and we can do it if the country believes.

"I thought it was an excellent performance against Slovenia and we can't wait to get to grips with Germany."

The president called the team during dinner to wish it well in the last-16 clash with Ghana at the Royal Bafokeng stadium.

Bradley, whose side finished top of Group C above England, said: "We were honoured before a big match to receive a call from President Obama and if we continue to build on the successes so far we can go to the end. That's what it is all about, but that has to be balanced with a concentration on each game.

"We try hard not to get ahead of ourselves but at the same time everybody has this idea that if everybody gives their best effort, if everybody puts everything they have into it and if things go our way then we can travel far."

As well as passing on his best wishes President Obama demonstrated he had been following the team's progress by asking how goalkeeper Tim Howard's ribs were recovering from the collision with Emile Heskey in its first match, a 1-1 draw against England. He also inquired about a cut to the face of Fulham striker Clint Dempsey.

Both will be fit to face Ghana, which will be flying a lone flag for Africa in the last 16 after finishing runner-up to Germany in Group D.

Bradley has no intentions of taking it lightly.

He said: "This Ghana team is well put together. Their coach has done a good job. The team is organised, has talented individuals and great athletic ability.

"They are dangerous because they have individual players who you think they are going to pass and at the last second they dribble.

"You think they are going to go left and they surprise you and go right. They have unpredictability. You are not always sure what they are going to do."

The same might be said of his own team which clinched its place in the last 16 with a stoppage-time winner against Algeria from evergreen striker Landon Donovan.

The LA Galaxy star, who was on loan at Everton for part of last season, will be making his 127th appearance for his country, in which he has scored 44 goals.

He is one of the reasons Bradley believes his side cannot be seen as just a functional outfit. He insists it also have star quality.

Bradley said: "We have shown an ability to move the ball quickly and intelligently. We have some individuals who have made the special plays you need to win championships.

"We have never believed that all you need to do is to put on your work clothes. We are a team that works hard, is disciplined and is creative at the right moments. We try to put all those things together."

He also gave an insight into the pride which drives on a team which is bidding to emulate the 2002 USA side which reached the quarter-finals in Japan and then go one better than the team which came third in the inaugural World Cup in 1930.

Bradley said: "You want to have a team that the people who care about that team and follow that team and root for that team can be proud of.

"A team that people believe in and are proud of. That's part of our responsibility and we will continue to build on that."

The odds must still be heavily against the Tottenham Hotspur man making it considering the FA claimed he did not do any contact work on Thursday.

However, coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that all 23 members of his squad trained on Friday morning and are in contention for the match in Bloemfontein.

"All the players trained. Everyone is fit to play," he told Match of the Day.

"It is a good feeling because if they trained they are fit to play."

King was Capello's first choice to partner John Terry in central defence but injured his groin in the first minutes of the opening game against the United States a fortnight ago.

It was anticipated the 29-year-old would be out of action for at least three weeks and although there have been some encouraging noises about his fitness, the latest bulletin is unexpected.

However, considering the time he has been out, it would still seem more likely that either Matthew Upson will keep his place or Jamie Carragher will return from suspension.

With Aaron Lennon, Michael Carrick and, most importantly, Wayne Rooney all shaking off ankle knocks, it will leave Capello to choose from strength, knowing he has plenty of options should he need them against England's old rival.

"I have more options, so I have to choose," he said.

"Also it is possible to change some things during the game. When you can choose 23 players it is better for me."

David James, Robert Green and Joe Hart are England's three goalkeepers in South Africa.

But Kahn, who made 86 appearances between the posts for Germany, believes Premier League clubs are failing to nurture home-grown talent.

Kahn's comments come after his country's former captain and manager Franz Beckenbauer described England as a 'long-ball' team and said it looks 'burned out'.

The number one position was an area of concern for England coach Fabio Capello when his side arrived at the FIFA World Cup.

Green made a blunder in the opening match of the tournament, allowing a long-range strike from the United States' Clint Dempsey to slip through his hands.

He was replaced by James, who has looked assured and has kept two clean sheets in the remaining group games against Algeria and Slovenia.

Speaking ahead of the last-16 meeting between England and Germany in Bloemfontein, Kahn said: "England has a great tradition of great goalkeepers in its football history with Peter Shilton, David Seaman and Gordon Banks.

"The question why no world-class goalkeepers have developed remains.

"Bayern Munich, for example, has a policy that Germany's number one goalkeeper needs to be in their goal and I think in England we see a situation where many goalkeeping positions are filled with foreign goalkeepers, which makes it very difficult to develop an English goalkeeper.

"If we look at the various clubs - Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea - we see that the position is filled by a foreign goalkeeper.

"This makes it very difficult to develop an English goalkeeper that can develop into a number one world-class goalkeeper."

Green's error in the USA match cost England two crucial points and ultimately meant Capello's side finished second rather than first in Group C.

As pool winner, the Americans face Ghana in the last 16 before England takes on old rival Germany in the second round a day later.

Former Germany star Kahn, who was the number one for his country at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, does not know which way the game will go.

He said: "England versus Germany is a traditional classical duel - a huge battle.

"The English are a very experienced side with many top stars.

"On the German side, there are many young players - some of whom are quite inexperienced - but they do play a lovely game of combination football, which is actually not quite typical of German football.

"As for the result, we will have to see."

Much has been made about the Jabulani ball in South Africa, but the former Bayern Munich goalkeeper feels players should not be blaming the ball for their errors.

Kahn added: "The balls have changed over the last couple of years, so yes they have become a lot faster. In addition, in Johannesburg we are playing at altitude, which makes the ball even quicker and the goalkeeper's task even harder.

"But I don't think we can take these things as an excuse for the goalkeeping errors we have seen - not the only excuse at least. It is also a question of quality.

"Sepp Maier, my goalkeeping coach, once said to me, 'if the balls become more difficult, then you'll have to train harder until you can work with those balls'."

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech echoed those sentiments, saying: "I played with the ball for Czech Republic against Turkey and I found the ball fine.

"There was no problem. Of course, everybody has their own opinions.

"You see during a normal season similar mistakes, but you don't blame the ball then.

"Suddenly we come to a big event and when there is a mistake, someone loses the ball or loses his concentration and everybody looks to the ball. I don't think it is the right attitude.

"The ball is the same for everyone. It depends on many things - like the weather, the way the ball is kicked, the part of the pitch it bounces on and many more reasons. My experience has been positive."

Concerns have been raised over the potential for trouble between rival sets of supporters, and the fact that one of the smaller venues, with less space for fans to disperse, is playing host rather than a larger city like Johannesburg or Cape Town has also been raised as a potential problem.

But LOC spokesman Jermaine Craig is happy with the security measures that are in place for the game at the Free State Stadium.

"The match schedule is already set before the tournament and it gives the chance for lesser-known cities to be exposed to the biggest matches in world. I am confident that any issues that do arise will be dealt with, and I can say that the supporters in Mangaung (Bloemfontein) are some of the best in the country.

"I have no concerns at all, we have seen fans coming into this World Cup and enjoying it in the right spirit. I am confident that the right security measures will be in place and that this tournament will be all about football, nothing else."

Fabio Capello's side takes on Joachim Low's team in Bloemfontein with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Much has been spoken in the build-up about past meetings between the nations but James pays little attention to such talk.

"It's another football match," he said. "Obviously there'll be a lot of external references and whatever else, historical references.

"But for us it's a game against a decent outfit - one we have to win to progress."

A 1-0 win over Slovenia secured England's place in the knockout phase, but Landon Donovan's stoppage-time winner for the USA against Algeria meant Capello's side finished second in Group C and faces Group D winner Germany rather than runner-up Ghana.

The outcome left England in a tough quarter of the draw, with Argentina potential last-eight opponents, but James is not concerned about what might have been.

"We can't do anything about what happened," he said. "We look back at the America game and the performance of Tim Howard which prevented a win.

"Algeria are very difficult to score against, and then we did what we needed to against Slovenia on Wednesday."

James started between the posts against Algeria and Slovenia after Robert Green's howler gifted Clint Dempsey an equaliser for America in the opener, and the England number one is pleased to have finally grasped his chance at his third World Cup.

"When the squad was announced and the numbers issued it was more of numerical thing than a suggestion of the first XI," said the 39-year-old, the oldest player at the finals.

"True to Mr Capello's previous selection process, he must have gauged something in training and felt Robert was the right goalkeeper to start with. I'm happy with that.

"I'm part of a squad. This World Cup isn't about David James - it's about England being successful.

"I trained as well as I could, got the chance to go back in and I'm happy."

Of squad morale, he added: "It's a very happy squad as it has been throughout the trip so far. We did what we needed to with regard to qualification."

James is prepared for the possibility of facing penalties against Germany - just as England had to in the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro '96 - but is hoping it does not go that far.

"The intention for us is to win the game in 90 minutes," he said. "If it requires extra-time and then if it goes to penalties, there's an opportunity for Germany to miss so we're ready.

"Germany are a decent outfit but we've got the confidence of having gone to Berlin a couple of years ago and beaten them 2-1."

"We've had videos on the three sides we've played already," he said.

"I was hoping Slovenia might have had a penalty in the last minute and I'd get a chance to save it."

However, he added: "I'm hoping the game will be dealt with in 90 minutes."

The Portsmouth goalkeeper played down the significance of playing England's great rival.

"I'm delighted for England as a nation that we've got a chance to play Germany," he said.

"It gives everyone at home the opportunity to enjoy a great football match.

"Our preparation is for a squad of 23 players and whatever they've got to offer in strengths and weaknesses."

With England set to meet Argentina in the last eight should it progress, James said: "If you look at the potential road to the final ... the idea of beating Germany is romantic - and it's an achievable goal - and it will bring on another match which will have its own historical significance."

The Desert Foxes had an outside chance of reaching the last 16 of a World Cup for the first time in its history heading into their final Group C game against the United States in Pretoria.

However, Landon Donovan's stoppage-time goal condemned the Algerians to a 1-0 defeat and left it bottom of the pool with just one point to its credit from three matches.

There may not have been any fairytale ending for Algeria in its first appearance at the World Cup since 1986, but Saadane was able to take plenty of positives from its adventure in South Africa.

"The players, the technical staff and the federation have really given their utmost to take part in this tournament and I don't think we should hang our heads in shame," he said.

"In the three matches we've played the players have given their very best.

"This is the first time in 24 years that we've been at the World Cup and you shouldn't expect miracles. So I'm satisfied despite the negative results.

"We have learned a great deal, acquired a lot of experience, made a lot of progress. I think there is a very positive future for the national team if it continues along this road."

Saadane also has high hopes for African teams further down the line, even though they have not done too well in this competition.

"I think that African football is on the right road and, in particular, individual potential is very strong," he said.

"Now what we need in our national squads is stability and a lot of discipline. I think in a few years' time, African sides will be among the best teams in the world."

One area in which Saadane knows his side does need some major surgery is in the final third of the pitch.

Algeria failed to score a goal in this World Cup and has now netted just once in seven games stretching back to the Africa Cup of Nations.

He said: "I think we could have done better (against the USA). We shot from distance a great deal. We had a number of goalscoring chances and we should have done better.

"There was also a lot of pressure on the strikers and I think they missed a number of chances because of the pressure on them.

"I think the national team needs to find new players.

"We've found strong midfielders and defenders and now we need to find those rare birds that are top strikers.

"I think we need to work a great deal more to achieve greater stability. The strikers need greater cohesion. Those are a couple of factors we need to look at."

Upson and his team-mates turned in a committed display at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth to belatedly launch their FIFA World Cup campaign and book their place in the second round.

The 1-0 victory over Group C rival Slovenia came after former captain John Terry sparked talk of rifts within the camp with his outspoken comments in the wake of disappointing performances and results in the opening two games against the United States and Algeria.

However, there was no lack of unity on the pitch, and certainly not after the final whistle when manager Fabio Capello joined his players in the celebrations, and Upson believes a stronger bond has been formed.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "You can use all those things and use all the rumours and all the accusations as fuel to improve and succeed and get tighter together.

"That's something we have improved on as a team and I think we can still get better at it, as we can in a lot of other areas.

"It's the key to winning, for me. Forget everything else, tactics, the lot - it is about you as human beings and people and what you are willing to commit and your attitude, and I thought we did that really well."

England's joy was partially tempered by the news of the USA's late winner against the Algerians in Pretoria, a goal which saw them top the group and pitch Capello's men into a potentially epic battle with old rival Germany in Bloemfontein.

But West Ham defender Upson is not unduly concerned at the prospect.

Asked if it mattered his side had not won the group, he replied: "To me it doesn't, personally.

"Some people say you need the best route to the final, which you would agree with - you want to play as many weak teams as you can.

"But eventually, you are going to have to beat the best teams and Sunday will be a great opportunity for us to go into another situation where it is a win-only opportunity.

"That doesn't bother me."

Upson, of course, was in the team because of Ledley King's persisting fitness problems and Jamie Carragher's suspension, and he knows he may have a fight on his hands to line up against the Germans.

But whether he makes it or not, the 31-year-old will be able to reflect back upon an eventful World Cup finals debut, which saw him make a nervous start, but grow into his role.

Indeed, he contributed a vital late block to preserve England's hard-earned clean sheet as Slovenian made a final desperate push.

He said: "It was just an opportunity to win the ball. It had been flicked on and knocked down inside of me, and it's a reaction more than anything.

"You don't think, you just see it and you make the play for it. I got there, thankfully, and we saw it through.

"It was kind of straight into the cauldron, really and difficult circumstances in a way, but in others it was an opportunity to shine and to step up.

"I was pleased with the way things went and I thought we thoroughly deserved the win."

Terry and Wayne Rooney had earlier been denied by keeper Samir Handanovic, who pushed the striker's effort against the post, and England created more than enough chances to have won the game comfortably.

However, it had to endure a nervous final few minutes before eventually getting its reward.

Upson added: "I am sure it's a lot easier on the pitch, the blood pressure. You don't feel it, you just focus in on what is coming at you next.

"But I can imagine watching it is not a pleasant experience.

"We didn't quite kill the game off, maybe, how we would have liked. We created some good opportunities.

"But as long as we are creating those opportunities and our players are getting in there and in the right positions and are hungry to score, which they were, it's great for the team."

Defoe's first-half goal was the difference between Fabio Capello's side and the Slovenians as England set up a meeting with Germany in Bloemfontein.

"The lads are buzzing - it was a great performance yesterday, not just winning the game but a great performance from front to back," Defoe said.

"The spirit's great and we're looking forward to it."

The Tottenham striker admitted he would rather have avoided the Germans, with a match against Ghana next up for group winner United States.

He added: "It would have been nice to have faced Ghana but, to win a major tournament, you're going to have to beat the best.

"But we'll just approach it like any other game."

The build-up to the Slovenia game was filled with reports of friction in the England camp following John Terry's controversial press conference.

But Defoe said: "Preparation before the game was spot-on. The lads are putting the work in and if you're doing that work on the training pitch then you take that into the game.

"The work-rate and the passion were there.

"I don't think there were any problems to be honest - obviously when you're not winning games, everyone's low but when you're winning everyone's sharp and happy."

Defoe revealed Capello had kept up the spirits of the players after the first two games despite the situation the team found itself in.

The Italian allowed his players to have a drink on Tuesday and was rewarded with a display that showed far more character than the opening games.

Defoe said: "None of the boys had a drink before the game. The manager is just trying to get us relaxed.

"He's been great.

"He said 'keep it going, we are a fantastic team'.

"It's nice to hear. He kept the faith and it's been really good.

"After the first game he said 'keep going ... I believe we can win this World Cup'."

The 27-year-old believes England's below-par performances can be attributed to tension and a desire to succeed.

"In a massive tournament it's normal to be a bit tense - you want to do well. We've seen that with other games with other countries.

"Yesterday was more relaxed. The manager wanted us to press higher and the work-rate was spot on."

The Tottenham Hotspur striker also dismissed Franz Beckenbauer's claim the team was 'burnt out' following a demanding domestic season.

"I don't feel tired," added Defoe. "The Premier League is one of toughest to play in. There are lots of games, particularly for the lads playing in Europe and there's the cup competitions.

"If you look after your body and prepare right there shouldn't be a problem.

"The preparation is spot on for every game."

As for his winning goal, the former West Ham United forward was almost lost for words, admitting it was one of the highest points of his career so far.

"It was up there. What a moment . You can imagine the phone calls and texts.

"It was hard to find words. It was something I dreamed about as a young lad and all through the season."

"Every day," he said. "Ever since (the training camp) in Austria, everyone has been practising them.

"But I hope it doesn't have to go that far."

Asked if he would volunteer to take a spot-kick in a shoot-out, he added: "Yes, 100 percent."

Landon Donovan's late goal against Algeria meant the United States topped Group C, condemning England to the runner-up spot and a potentially trickier quarter of the draw.

Defoe appeared unconcerned, though.

"It's at the back of your mind perhaps because it would have been closer to travel (for the second-round clash)," he said.

"But when you are playing well you just look forward to playing whoever.

"It's important to stay positive, this is the situation we are in. Germany are a great footballing nation but we are a great side, we showed that yesterday.

"There is no point in thinking what might have been, this is where we are.

"But some of the lads have been saying it would have been nicer to play Ghana."

The tie was set up when England finished second in Group C and Germany topped Group D with a 1-0 win over Ghana.

LOC spokesman Rich Mkhondo said: "It is an exciting game and the World Cup sometimes brings these games ahead of time. Perhaps people want to see them later in the competition.

"This is just one of the games that we are looking forward to. This is what the game of soccer is about - big rivals can meet earlier than expected. These are the games that we want to see."

FIFA head of media Nicolas Maingot added: "The World Cup is meant to bring the best teams for one tournament. Now we have a game which sounds like a classic.

"But from our point of view we should not forget there are eight games in the round of 16 and the tournament is going on. We will have close attention to the game, and the seven other games in the round."

Maingot would not comment on the security provisions for the match, but said generally: "Security is a key element of the entire event.

"For every game the security has to be 100 percent and our people together with relevant authorities have a daily meeting and they are working on those games. There will be a strong focus on security for all the games to come."

LOC spokesman Mkhondo took pride in the achievement of Ghana in reaching the last 16 and insisted the fact it seems almost certain to be the only one of the six African qualifiers to get to the second round should not affect how people view the tournament.

He said: "We wish to congratulate Ghana for keeping African representation in the tournament and wish them luck against the USA.

"This is the first African World Cup and we have always maintained that we wished and hoped that African teams would do well and Ghana is making us very proud by doing so well.

"It is not disappointing (that other African sides have gone out). Football is a game and you win some and lose some. There are only six African teams in the tournament. How many have come in from outside Africa?

"The balance is not in favour of African sides but what we have done is shown the world that we can host an international event of this magnitude.

"When it comes to the field of play it's a different thing, so let's separate the two. We as event organisers are happy. The world cannot believe that this continent, led by this country, can host the event.

"When it comes to the field of play, we leave it to the administrators and players to perform. We are very proud Ghana are still there, but it is an admission that a lot of work is ahead of us."

FIFA has not received an official report on an incident in the mixed zone at the United States-Algeria game, when a female journalist was involved in a row with Algerian player Rafik Saifi in which a bottle of water was thrown.

King suffered the injury during the early minutes of England's draw with the United States in Rustenburg on 12 June, since when he has been consigned to gym work.

Admittedly, King did not do any contact work, and was restricted to an individual session.

However, King's appearance will give hope that Fabio Capello might have him available sooner than anticipated, if not for the last-16 clash with Germany in Bloemfontein this weekend, then for a potential quarter-final meeting with either Argentina or Mexico in Cape Town the following weekend.

The Football Association has never put a timescale on King's recovery, although three weeks was suggested, which would keep the 29-year-old out until the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, should England get that far.

Aaron Lennon, who was replaced by James Milner for the victory over Slovenia, is suffering from an ankle injury and did not train at all on Thursday morning, local time.

Michael Carrick, who is yet to play a part in South Africa, has a similar problem, with the men who were involved against Slovenia all consigned to gym work, including Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker was substituted after suffering a kick on the ankle during the second half, although the England camp is confident he will be fit to face Germany.

The Tottenham striker started his first competitive England game for nearly two years and netted the 23rd-minute winner against Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

It was Defoe's 12th goal for his country and ensured it qualified for the last 16.

Defoe said: "I'm lost for words, what a moment for me. As a young lad, you dream about doing it one day.

"I had another chance early on in the second half. I was disappointed because I should have done better.

"But we won the game and I'm delighted. I was focused before the game and we won, which is the most important thing.

"At the end of the day, it was a must-win game, a cup final. You approach the game differently.

"The lads were fired up, we said in the changing rooms to set the tempo, put them under pressure and we started to pass it after the goal went in. It was brilliant."

England had been woeful during the goalless draw with Algeria but Defoe insisted: "The belief has always been there.

"At this level it's always going to be difficult. Look at the other games, the top teams have all struggled.

"It's important to keep the spirit, which we have done and that showed."

Skipper Steven Gerrard said: "Of course, when you need to win a game, if you don't finish teams off and get that second and third goal you are going to be anxious at the end.

"But the lads were terrific, they put everything we asked for. Passion, fighting, team spirit, togetherness and quality as well. It was thoroughly deserved for us to go through.

"We have done it before today when our backs were against the wall and people out there doubting us. We rolled our sleeves up and produced the goods.

"We need to do that all the time. To get to the latter stage of the tournament you need to find that consistency now.

"If we perform like we did against Algeria I don't think we'll get another chance."

With England en route to victory over Slovenia in the other Group C match, both the US and opponents Algeria looked to be heading out of the FIFA World Cup as its game in Pretoria entered stoppage time with the scoreline still 0-0.

However, Donovan popped up in the last few moments to slot home after the ball had rolled loose in the area when Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bohli dived at the feet of Clint Dempsey.

That match-winning strike not only saw the United States secure a place in the last 16 but it also earned it top spot in the pool ahead of England.

For an emotional Donovan, it meant even more.

"I've been through a lot in the last four years," the man of the match said as he broke down in tears during the post-game press conference. The Los Angeles Galaxy playmaker split up with his wife last July.

"I'm so glad it culminated in this way and it makes me believe in good in the world and when you try to do things the right way it's good to be rewarded."

Algeria exited the tournament without managing to score a goal in its three group games, although it had its chances and hit the crossbar early on through Rafik Djebbour.

It was not to be for the north African side, but its coach Rabah Saadane was still proud of his team.

"I think it was a really good match and the two teams have done well," he said. "We've seen many attempts on goal from both teams, and with a bit more luck I think we would have won the match.

"However, the Algerian team have worked very hard to get the right result in the second match and the last match. I'm quite happy with the team.

"They (the USA) had the last chance to score the goal and they got it. I want to congratulate the US team and wish them all the luck in the next stage."

England needed victory to assure its place in the last 16 and Jermain Defoe's 23rd-minute strike was enough to see it through.

The victory came after the team had come under fire for its performance in the goalless draw with Algeria on Friday night and an emotional Capello was full of praise for his players.

"We played together, fight together and I am really, really happy for the result," he told BBC 1.

"This was the team that I know.

"This team can go forward. All the team the coaches, their mind is free.

"We can go forward without fear, without everything."

Defoe was delighted with his first World Cup goal, converting a fine cross from James Milner.

"I'm lost for words to be honest," he said on BBC1. "What a moment."

He added: "Everyone was focused before the game.

"We are through, that's the most important thing.

"The lads were fired up, in the first 10 minutes we wanted to put them under pressure."

Defoe missed a chance to double the lead, although it did not prove costly.

"I had one early in the second half which was disappointing," he added.

Captain Steven Gerrard again started on the left side of midfield, but produced a much-improved display.

Wayne Rooney also played better than he did against Algeria, although missed a couple of chances to score his first goal of the World Cup.

"Wayne's had a bit of criticism over the last couple of games but today he worked his socks off and showed his quality," Gerrard told BBC1.

"I know goals are around the corner for Wayne Rooney."

Gerrard admitted England's failure to find a second goal made it a nervous finish.

"When you need to win a game and when you don't finish teams off you're going to be be anxious at the end," added the Liverpool midfielder.

"We thoroughly deserve to go through.

"I thought all the players that started the game and all the subs were terrific today.

"We need to find consistency now in the knock-out stages.

"I think if we play like we did today and keep listening to the manager and keep delivering what he's asking we've got the quality you need to win football matches, anything can happen."

Gerrard admitted the mood in the dressing room was much improved.

"100% better," he said.

"If we turn up and we play close to our potential we are a match for anyone."

However, Donovan popped up right at the end to slot into the net and send the Americans through ahead of England, which beat Slovenia in the other game.

USA will now play the second-placed team from Group D, which includes Ghana, Germany, Serbia and Australia.

For Algeria, which has never progressed to the second round of the World Cup, it hit the woodwork early on and created a couple of other chances but was unable to net its first goal of the finals as it tumbled out.

Algeria also finished with 10-men after captain Anthar Yahia was sent off for a second booking late on in Pretoria.

Coach Rabah Saadane, knowing his side could not afford a third successive match without a goal, made one change to the team that held England 0-0, bringing in AEK Athens striker Rafik Djebbour for Ryad Boudebouz.

USA boss Bob Bradley, meanwhile, made three changes. Algeria started brightly and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Djebbour rattled the crossbar.

US defender Jay DeMerit failed to cut out a long punt forward and Djebbour stole in behind him, controlled the ball on his chest before smashing a volley against the crossbar from 12 yards out.

It was also a big let-off for the Americans, but Bradley's side would return the favour with interest during the remainder of the period as it spurned a number of good chances themselves.

Herculez Gomez brought a save out of Rais M'Bohli, before the US thought it had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Gomez, having seen his first effort saved, saw his cross-shot turned in at the far post by Clint Dempsey.

However, the effort was chalked off for a marginal offside.

The Americans were denied a winning goal in their last match against Slovenia when Maurice Edu's late strike was controversially chalked off.

After a slow start, the US was starting to look increasingly dangerous and it created two great chances around the 35th minute.

Dempsey saw the first saved by M'Bohli after being put through by a great pass by Donovan, and then Jozy Altidore blazed horribly over after the influential Donovan had dinked the ball past M'Bohli to set up a magnificent opening.

The Desert Foxes were still posing problems of their own though, and Karim Matmour earned a corner after testing Tim Howard with a long-range thunderbolt as the half ended in stalemate.

With England leading Slovenia in the other game, both USA and Algeria were on the way out of the World Cup at the interval.

The Americans should have improved their lot in the 56th minute though as they spurned another great chance.

The ball fell invitingly for Dempsey on the edge of the box, but his shot rebounded back off the inside of the far post before the Fulham midfielder sliced the rebound wide with the goal gaping.

Bradley's side continued to dominate and Benny Feilhaber went close before his fellow substitute Edson Buddle powered a header straight at M'Bohli from five yards out.

Algeria briefly stemmed the one-way traffic when Karim Ziani dragged a shot wide from a good chance in the 69th minute, but otherwise it was largely all America.

Algeria had a late chance to snatch what could have been a winner when Rafik Saifi headed straight at Howard, and moments after that USA claimed the victory.

Dempsey was denied by the keeper at point-blank range after a breakaway attack, but the ball fell kindly for Donovan who slotted into a gaping net from close range.

That proved to be the winner and demoralised Algeria would end the game with 10-men when Yahia was dismissed soon after.

Jermain Defoe nudged home the first-half winner that propelled the Three Lions into the last 16.

Landon Donovan's injury-time effort in Pretoria meant the outcome was not exactly what England wanted, as it sends them to Bloemfontein as the second place finisher in Group C and leaves them in the same quarter of the draw as Diego Maradona's dangerous Argentina.

But the main thing is England is still there, and Fabio Capello can at least look back on the result with satisfaction, given his decision to select Defoe above the non-scoring talents of Emile Heskey.

But there was so much more to cherish.

With the notable exception of Wayne Rooney, who did not look impressed to be replaced by Joe Cole, and the fact its goal difference read only one, England found itself again, producing all the verve and fire its manager knows it is so capable of.

Days of rancour gave way to the sheer exhilaration of seeing a team play in the manner of old and though its profligacy ensured there was some nervy moments to survive before victory could be achieved, in the end the Three Lions made it.

The men who combined to give England that crucial, crucial goal were both exorcising a personal ghost.

It has almost been forgotten it is so long ago but right at the beginning of England's World Cup, Defoe was a starter for Capello.

Hauled off after a goalless 45 minutes against Andorra in Barcelona, Defoe was condemned to the role of impact substitute for the remainder of the qualifiers, admittedly scoring three times in the process.

Milner's wound is much fresher. Always a Capello favourite, the Aston Villa man was asked to plug a hole on the left of England's midfield for the opening encounter with the United States.

Given a right old chasing by Carlos Bocanegra, the 24-year-old was hauled off after half an hour and must have wondered if he would see any more action in South Africa.

Capello is intensely loyal though. Deciding he needed more solidity defensively than Aaron Lennon can provide, the Italian turned to Milner for the right-sided role.

His early contribution was riddled with mistakes. But the cross he swung deep into the Slovenia box midway through that opening period was almost Beckham-esque.

Defoe had made his way into the danger zone, like any instinctive marksman would, got just in front of Marko Suler and stuck out his leg, prodding the ball goalwards with enough power to get it past Samir Handanovic, who did nearly make a save.

It had taken Defoe 23 minutes to achieve what Heskey had managed once in eight years; a competitive goal.

Visibly, the pressure lifted from English shoulders.

The high-tempo, quick passing, tigerish pressing game Capello had yearned for, and which temperatures of a South African winter suit so well suddenly appeared, and so did the opportunities.

Frank Lampard and skipper Steven Gerrard had the first couple before half-time, the Liverpool man knowing he would have scored if he had put more power behind a side-footed effort that failed to beat Handanovic after a hitherto quiet Rooney had provided the superb square ball.

Capello cut a frustrated figure when, eight yards out and completely unmarked, Defoe made no contact after Barry had lofted a pass into a Slovenia penalty area in a state of confusion thanks to some selfless running from Rooney.

John Terry brought a brilliant save out of Handanovic when he rose to meet Barry's corner at the far post before Rooney struck the base of a post after his unchecked run into the penalty area had been spotted by Lampard.

It was sumptuous fare lifted directly from the Premier League, the kind of football that prompted Capello to make his "crazy" claim that England could reach the final of this grand and prestigious tournament in Soccer City on July 12 (AEST).

In a week for apologies and forgiveness, the England supporters responded by showing they bore no hard feelings for Rooney's rant in Cape Town by chanting his name with gusto, although on the second occasion it was for its talisman's exit - unhappily - to make way for Joe Cole to make his long-awaited bow.

Amid the euphoria at finding a team, one fairly large problem was being overlooked. England's lead remained stuck at one and could so easily be snatched away.

Had first Terry, then Glen Johnson, not thrown themselves in front of Slovenian shots, the smallest country in the tournament would have had its equaliser and England would have been out.

For Slovenia, events elsewhere would give it cause for huge regret. For England, pride was restored - and a sigh of relief could be breathed.

Fabio Capello toyed with the idea of picking Defoe for last week's encounter with Algeria, but after watching his team perform so poorly, has opted to unleash the Tottenham man on Slovenia, a match England must win to be certain of reaching the last 16.

Defoe has started just one competitive game for Capello - and lasted only one half of that, against Andorra in September 2008.

However, with 11 international goals to his name - and three in qualifying - Defoe is a more obvious threat to Slovenia than Emile Heskey and in theory, his extra pace would provide Wayne Rooney with more space to lift the gloom from his disappointing contribution so far.

Capello previously stated Matthew Upson would replace the suspended Jamie Carragher in central defence, where he was likely to become John Terry's third partner of the tournament, and fourth since Capello named his 30-man provisional squad given Rio Ferdinand had to fly home due to injury.

Terry has been the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons this week, but after apologising for his outburst on Sunday, there was never any question of Capello dropping the Chelsea captain.

James Milner is England's third change, although having lasted only half an hour of the opening match against the United States before being hauled off, he would have been hoping to make a greater impact on his preferred right side in place of Aaron Lennon.

England XI: James; Johnson, Terry, Upson, A. Cole; Milner, Barry, Lampard, Gerrard (c); Defoe, Rooney.

England team to face Slovenia in World Cup Group C: James, Johnson, Upson, Terry, A Cole, Milner, Gerrard, Barry, Lampard, Rooney, Defoe.

Fabio Capello's men have collected just two points from the opening clashes with the United States and Algeria, and know anything less than victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth could result in an embarrassingly early departure from South Africa.

However, while England have stuttered on the pitch and aired its dirty linen in public off it, Kek insists his side's chances of securing its passage to the last 16 are no better because of that.

He said: "We have seen England's matches and everyone knows and is familiar with football in England.

"We have also seen some video clips from England's qualifiers, and playing against England is always a challenge. It is also filled with huge expectations.

"But please do not believe that we feel better because England might not have played so well so far.

"We will play as we have been playing. For sure, we will try to do our best - we will try not to make mistakes.

"We will try to score a goal - we have scored three goals so far and I don't know why we should change our strategy.

"We have had a very good strategy and this strategy has been confirmed by four points."

Those four points have left Slovenia at the top of the group and knowing a point against England will be enough to book it a first trip to the last 16 in its second World Cup finals.

By contrast, England know it has to win to be sure of a place in the knockout phase of the competition, but defender Bojan Jokic has promised the Three Lions will have a fight on its hands.

He said: "England have high-quality players and we have respect for them.

"But we have our objective. We want to qualify and we are expecting to achieve our objective."

The two sides completed their preparations with the fall-out from John Terry's outspoken comments still ongoing, although Kek was refusing to get involved.

Indeed, he was doing his best to avoid talking about England altogether at his pre-match press conference.

Asked if he feared a return to form for striker Wayne Rooney, he said: "My thoughts are only for Slovenia and I wouldn't want to make any comment related to our opponent. I have not been following the media.

"England have to go to the second round; Slovenia wish to go to the second round. This is our wish.

"I am just dealing with the problems Slovenia face, not focusing on the problems England face.

"I have great respect for England and their players and their coach. However, my thoughts are devoted only to Slovenia."

The popularity of football in the US is on the rise but, unlike in many other countries around the globe, it is not the leading sport with traditional favourites baseball, American football and basketball providing stiff competition.

However, Bocanegra believes his side can strike another blow for the sport by securing the victory against Algeria that will guarantee them a place in the knockout stages in South Africa.

"Every time we have played in the World Cup, our games have contributed to the interest back home, and I think more and more we have people interested in the United States," he said.

"Over the last four years, since the 2006 World Cup, we have realised that football has become increasingly popular.

"It is not the top sport in the United States yet but it is the most popular sport around the world and I hope after the (Algeria) game we will have even more supporters in the US."

US coach Bob Bradley echoed those thoughts, adding: "Soccer in the US continues to grow, there have been so many important steps along the way.

"We understand that each World Cup takes on extra importance and we understand the responsibility we have as a team representing the United States and representing our sport."

The US missed out on a place in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup after losing to Ghana in its final group game in what was a similar situation to the one they now find themselves in.

Now they are one of four teams in Group C who still have a chance of reaching the knockout stages heading into the third and final round of group matches.

Leaders Slovenia are on four points, two ahead of the US and England, and three clear of last-placed Algeria.

Algeria may be bottom of the standings and without a goal in their two games, but Bocanegra, who plays his club football for Rennes, is still wary of the threat the north Africans pose.

The defender said: "They're a good team, a few of their guys play in the French league, they're athletic and technically gifted.

"A few players can stand out and score goals for them, but we are going to focus on the entire team and not any one player."

The US is not the only side feeling the weight of responsibility heading into the clash at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld stadium.

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane said: "We have a great deal of responsibility. As it is we represent the African continent, the hopes of the African continent, and we also represent the Arab world."

Saadane was responding to a question as to whether he felt Algeria were also now representing the hopes of France following Les Bleus disappointing early exit from the tournament on Tuesday.

Saadane, whose squad has many French-born players in it, hoped that would not be the case, joking: "We don't want this additional responsibility.

"It is unfortunate for France, there are strong links between the two countries."

Kaka cannot play in Brazil's last Group G match against Portugal on Friday (Saturday morning AEST) because of his late red card in the win over Cote d'Ivoire, but Dunga has plenty of options to replace the star playmaker without compromising how the team has been playing.

Julio Baptista is the obvious substitute, but other alternatives include Daniel Alves, Ramires, Kleberson and even Robinho as a midfielder.

"There is a lot we can do at midfield," Dunga said. "We have versatile players."

Brazil has already secured a second-round spot at the World Cup, but the match against Portugal in Durban will decide the group winner. Brazil only needs a draw to top the group and remain in Johannesburg for the round of 16.

"Dunga will evaluate what's better tactically and he will chose the player he feels will better help Brazil play well against Portugal," Kaka said Tuesday.

Kaka will be absent after a controversial dismissal in Brazil's 3-1 win, when he received a second yellow card in a challenge near midfield.

Although Dunga likely won't find a player as good as Kaka, the former world player of the year, the coach is glad to have more than one option to fill the playmaker's position.

Julio Baptista played in Kaka's position when Brazil won the 2007 Copa America. Kaka did not play the tournament because he was on vacation following the European season, and Julio Baptista was a key player in the tournament, scoring a goal in the 3-0 win over Argentina in the final.

"I'm ready to step in if needed," Julio Baptista said. "I've played in that position and I'm prepared."

Barcelona's Daniel Alves is a reserve right back but is also an alternative for the midfield. He has been Dunga's first option as a substitute for several positions, including Kaka's. He came in for Elano in Brazil's opening 2-1 win against North Korea in the 73rd minute, and replaced Elano again when the midfielder injured his right ankle against Cote d'Ivoire in the 67th minute.

"I know Dunga has confidence in how I play," Daniel Alves said. "I've been practicing hard and showing that I can play well if he picks me."

Elano did not practice on Tuesday because of his injury, but team doctors said he should be fit for the match against Portugal.

Dunga could repeat the second-half change he made in the match against Korea DPR, using striker Nilmar and moving Robinho back to a playmaking position. Robinho said he liked playing in that role and could do it again if needed.

"I wouldn't be a problem for me," he said. "We can make it work that way too."

Ramires also came off the bench against Cote d'Ivoire, replacing Robinho in the 90th minute. The dynamic midfielder was a reserve when Brazil arrived for the Confederations Cup a year ago, but gained a starting spot and eventually helped Brazil win the title. He also was a member of Brazil's team which won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.

Kleberson can also play in Kaka's position if Dunga wants a more defensive setup against Portugal, but the former Manchester United player hasn't been getting many chances recently.

All the reserves practiced against a local team on Monday, winning 7-1 with two goals by Grafite and one each by Julio Baptista, Daniel Alves, Ramires, Kleberson and an own goal.

Kaka's red card was his first while playing for the national team. It came in the 88th minute at Soccer City Stadium after Kader Keita ran into him while going for the ball. The Brazilian dropped his elbow to protect himself as Keita moved in and the referee gave a second yellow card for Kaka.

Kaka was disappointed with the decision, but said he would use the time off to continue improving his physical condition after a season filled with injuries with Real Madrid kept him from playing at his best in the first two matches.

"He will be able to rest a little more," Dunga said.

Rooney has looked a shadow of the player who scored more than 30 goals for Manchester United last season in the opening two games with the United States and Algeria.

He will go into the Slovenia clash still looking for his first goal in the World Cup finals after drawing a blank in six games spanning 2006 and the current tournament.

But Capello is adamant the 24-year-old will produce in a game England need to win to guarantee a place in the last 16.

He said: "I have spoken a lot of times with Rooney and he is an important player for us.

"Like Steven (Gerrard), he is one of the best players in the world.

"Sometimes the pressure is so big for all the important players.

"Wayne has improved the last two days during training and I am sure tomorrow he will play really well."

Rooney has scored 25 times for his country but only once in the last nine games - against Croatia at Wembley last October.

The England coach insisted all the pre-match publicity surrounding John Terry was now forgotten with all thoughts trained on overcoming Slovenia.

Terry intimated the players would speak to Capello about tactics and team personnel although these topics were not brought up at a meeting with the Italian.

Capello did concede that he may have made mistakes, although he did not elaborate on what they might be.

He said: "We trained very well today, compact, we know the game tomorrow will be really important, not what one player can speak about. We are really focused on the game.

"John Terry is one of the most important players. It is a really important game.

"Everything else is out of the mind of the players, out of my mind. I am happy because the players are really focused on the game.

"The relationship with the players is really good. The players are happy, training very well.

"If you win, sometimes we make mistakes but we win. It is possible I have made mistakes, possibly."

Capello is used to handling pressure during his glittering managerial career but knows this is a new experience for himself.

He said: "There are others that remind me of this one in terms of being important but those were club games.

"This is the country game. This is different because everyone is behind us.

"It is normal to have the pressure. We are ready to play and also the players know there has to be only one result for us."

Capello knows England has to raise its game especially as he feels Slovenia may try to wind down the clock as a draw will be sufficient to ensure its place in the next round.

He said: "I think we have to improve if we want to win. I want to see the fight every moment, that we win back the ball quickly.

"It is possible tomorrow Slovenia may try to lose time when they have possession. For this reason, we have to press more."

England was unable to train on the pitch in Port Elizabeth because of its poor condition and the players were put through their paces at their Rustenburg base before flying to the venue.

Capello said : "The pitch is not good. This is not an excuse for the game tomorrow."

In a similar situation to one it currently faces, the US had the chance to make it through to the last 16 four years ago if it beats Ghana in its final group game.

However, having held eventual winners Italy to a 1-1 draw in its previous match, the Americans slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Ghana to exit the competition.

This time the US knows a win over Algeria will guarantee it a spot in the knockout phases no matter what happens in the other game between Slovenia and England, and Bocanegra is determined not to let the opportunity slip by again.

"We obviously we had a bad outing in 2006 and we're not happy how things worked out. We have a great chance tomorrow to get a win and advance to the second round, it's important for us because we had that disappointment in 2006," he said.

"It's not really an extra motivation but it's in the back of our minds. You work so hard and train so much for the World Cup and it can be over so quickly if you don't advance."

The United States has had more successful recent experiences to draw on, though, and Bocanegra is hoping what happened at last last year's Confederations Cup in South Africa will stand it in good stead for the nail-biting last round of group matches.

The United Stats is currently second in Group C heading into the clash against Algeria in Pretoria, but as there are just three points separating all four teams there is still everything to play for.

However, with first-placed Slovenia playing third-placed England in the other match, the United States at least knows it has its destiny in its own hands.

That is a better situation than it found itself in the Confederations Cup when, after losing to Italy and Brazil in its opening two group games, it not only needed to defeat Egypt in its last match but also required a Brazil victory and a six-goal swing over Italy to advance.

That is just what happened, with the US beating Egypt 3-0 and Brazil defeating Italy by the same scoreline, sending Bradley's men through to the semi-finals where it created one of the biggest upsets in recent history by defeating European champion Spain 2-0.

Bocanegra said: "We've had some good experiences. Last year's Confederations Cup was a nice dress rehearsal and we were in this situation a little bit, having to get the win, although last time we needed a little help.

"This time we just need to win. We've been here before, we're prepared and we're looking forward to going out there tomorrow (Thursday morning AEST)."

And the Italian claimed he never contemplated dropping John Terry following the defender's choice to raise a number of grievances within the squad in a public forum on Sunday rather than behind closed doors.

"John Terry is one of the most important players," Capello said.

Asked about his relationship with the players, he added: "Really good, because every time when I speak with the players they follow me.

"The players are happy. They trained very well.

"I think it's normal to have pressure at the moment. We have a play-off to be in or out. We have to win."

Captain Steven Gerrard, who described the game against Slovenia as 'do or die', claimed Terry's outburst is not affecting the players.

"He's gone out and said what he said but I think it's time to move on," said the Liverpool midfielder.

"As captain it's important I switch attention to the game as it's a do-or-die situation.

"Training was very good and sharp this morning so we need to go out and do the business."

Capello also backed Wayne Rooney to up his game following recent criticism of his below-par performances, especially in the goalless draw with Algeria.

"I spoke a lot of time with Rooney and he is an important player for us," said Capello.

"Sometimes the pressure is so big, also for the important players. He improved in the last three days during training. I am sure tomorrow he will play really well."

Rooney has faced criticism in some quarters for voicing his displeasure at the England fans booing the team off the pitch after the Algeria game.

Gerrard sympathises with the supporters and revealed the team are desperate to put on a better performance in order to get them back on side.

"I can certainly understand," he said. "We came into this tournament with big expectations.

"People have paid good money and expect us to win football matches so we as players take responsibility for underperforming in the last game and the idea is try to put in a good performance tomorrow, win the game and change the perception of how we've done so far.

"We want to make the nation proud and happy. A good win tomorrow would certainly give the people more confidence.

"You can see that the players hurt from the Algeria performance. We let the country down by underperforming and we want to put that right.

"I can see the hunger in the guys, we can't wait for the game to start to put it right because we haven't enjoyed the past couple of days - the criticism and that feeling you get when you've underperformed and you've not done yourself justice."

Capello admitted it was possible he had made mistakes in England's opening two games but has called for his players to knuckle down and start battling.

"It's possible I made some mistakes," he said. "It's possible.

"We have to improve if we want to win. I expect to see the spirit of the team. I want to see them fighting every moment, I want that we win the ball back quickly.

"We have to press more, we have to run more. This I want to see."

Gerrard insisted the players would try to present a more attacking threat as they look to more closely resemble the England team that breezed through the World Cup qualifiers.

The Liverpool skipper added: "In the last performance we stopped doing what we done in the qualifying games. We were really confident, we played aggressive football and we were really difficult to beat.

"Although we never lost against Algeria, there were certainly things missing and tomorrow hopefully we can get those things back.

"We want to start the game really well, play compact, difficult to beat but also have the cutting edge in the final third where we can get the goals that we need."

Gerrard also denied that he and his team-mates had put pressure on Capello to pick Joe Cole in his team, adding: "No not at all. Obviously the manager picks the team he thinks best to do the job.

"And obviously the players aren't in any position to question who the manager picks.

"Whoever he picks we go with that and we give it our best shot."

Kek's side goes into the game sitting top of the group and knowing a point would be enough to take it through to the second round, a result which could prove fatal for Fabio Capello's men.

However, while the debate over England's unimpressive form in South Africa to date and John Terry's "big mistake" rumbles on, the Slovenians are in no mood to be sidetracked.

Kek said: "We are aware of the significance of tomorrow's match for England and Slovenia. The stakes are very high.

"England have to go to the second round; Slovenia wish to go to the second round. This is our wish.

"I am just dealing with the problems Slovenia face, not focusing on the problems England face.

"I have great respect for England and their players and their coach. However, my thoughts are devoted only to Slovenia."

Kek's response may have been in part diplomatic, but there is little doubt he will send his side out at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium under orders to make history.

Slovenia defeated Russia in a play-off to reach its second World Cup finals since gaining independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, and is bidding to reach the last 16 for the first time.

Kek said: "This would mean a lot. It would be a terrific success if Slovenia got to the second round.

"But I am not interested in who won't make it to the second round because we do.

"It is our wish to get to the second round. We have a good starting point.

"This may be unexpected, but we are aware that we will be playing a very strong team, and that's why we need to gear up for this match.

"We feel confident, we are courageous and we will be able to face up to England."

Slovenia will progress if it can avoid defeat by England, but Kek insists his team will not play for a draw.

Indeed, he admits he has not even looked at the various possible scenarios.

He said: "There are so many combinations for the second round. I don't want to go into details, I don't want to waste my energy.

"Is it a draw? Is it a win? It's a waste of time. I don't know which team can say it will have a draw with England.

"Slovenia will do its best to win the match and play the game that has proved to be so successful.

"But tomorrow is a different game, it's a fight to get to the knockout phase and it is an additional motivation to play against a team that has been so big.

"But if we play our game tomorrow, I am sure we can get to the second round.

"The quality of England is clear. England, for me, are still a favourite to win the World Cup at the very end.

"But the stakes are high and all four teams can go into the second round. That's why Group C has an appeal to it.

"But prior to the World Cup, I wasn't so sure that England and the United States were sure to reach the second round."

Slovenia, like England, was to train at the stadium on Tuesday amid concerns over the pitch, which hosted Monday's (Tuesday morning AEST) Group H clash between Chile and Switzerland.

But the Frenchman insists that England will only make the next stage if it plays with more freedom.

Fabio Capello's squad has come in for heavy criticism since it was held to a goalless draw by Algeria in Cape Town.

Its opening draw against the United States means that England has to beat Slovenia to guarantee a place in the last 16.

But its preparations has been hampered by rumours of discontent within the England ranks.

The unrest has cranked up the pressure ahead of the decisive game in Port Elizabeth.

But Wenger expects England to go through - and to get stronger as the tournament continues.

"I think England at the moment are not at their best but they still should go through," Wenger told Arsenal.com. "They looked inhibited against Algeria and they played against a team that tried to defend very well.

"I don't know if they peaked in qualifying and certainly they need to play with a little bit more freedom. But any team who does well at the World Cup, none of them peaks in the group stage.

"To do well at the World Cup you start and then become stronger and stronger. England started slowly so will they become stronger and stronger? That is the question you need to wonder about and the question they need to answer."

England has turned in two poor performances so far in South Africa, against the United States and Algeria, leaving its hopes of progressing to the knockout stages hanging by a thread.

Upson has been told by coach Fabio Capello he will start with Ledley King injured and Jamie Carragher suspended and the West Ham United defender is calling for a much-improved display.

He told FATV: "We are all good players, everyone has great ability.

"We need to get the best out of ourselves and that's an individual thing as well as a team thing.

"It's down to us as individuals to make sure we are in the right frame of mind and let it flow, let it happen and hold nothing back."

A goalless draw against Algeria dented England's hopes of getting out of Group C and saw the fans turn on the players.

But Upson insists the result, and performance, are now out of the players' systems.

"Everyone was disappointed after the Algeria game," he added.

"We had some spare time in Cape Town and everyone went off and reflected on what happened.

"We have had to put that behind us and move on to the next game. It's all down now to the game on Wednesday."

Despite some fans questioning Capello's squad and team selections so far, Upson insists the Italian has got it spot on on the training field.

He said: "Our training through the whole five weeks has been outstanding.

"The sessions have been first class. The matches haven't been a reflection of how well we have trained as a group which is frustrating."

Terry came in for criticism after appearing to indicate he was ready to confront Fabio Capello in a team meeting on Monday.

But Lampard believes his Chelsea team-mate was only speaking from his heart and out of frustration at England's poor start to the tournament.

The midfielder said: "John said what he did with good honest intentions, was very straight talking as I think you would expect from someone with that kind of personality.

"It's just frustrating that the headlines have got carried away in trying to talk about a rift in the camp which isn't there - and it honestly isn't there. I think John spoke from the heart really.

"When results and performances aren't what you want, people will try to find factions and we have to make sure we stay very united."

Lampard, who was 32 on Sunday, added: "I don't know whether John pushed it too far.

"I think we should be thankful that there are players who speak in that way.

"I think John spoke honestly about wanting us to turn this current situation around and moving on."

Lampard believes Terry will not be affected by the negative media approach to his comments as England looks for the win in Port Elizabeth which will seal its last 16 spot.

He said: "John is very tough. You see certain things that have happened in his career - and hopefully mine too - when we react to things that have been negative.

"Whether it is newspapers or things in private or personal lives, he has always reacted very well. I am sure he was p----d off with the headlines and he will react in the right way."

Lampard believes frustration at England's performances against the USA and Algeria may lead to outspoken comments.

He said: "The players aren't happy at the moment because we have not performed as we should have done.

"Everyone can talk and talk and talk about different things off the pitch but that's the basics of why people aren't happy and that might make us all say things.

"We are not happy with how we are playing. Simple as that. Nobody is."

Koren and co were eight minutes away from securing a place in the knockout phase when Michael Bradley's goal for the USA meant they took one point from their second Group C game instead of three.

One point will do nicely against England in Port Elizabeth on Thursday (AEST) while that result would probably send England home early.

Slovenia's qualification playoff victory over Russia is testament to its ability to cause an upset and Koren sees no reason it cannot spring a surprise against England.

"It was a big achievement for the country to come to the World Cup but now everybody wants to improve," the former West Brom midfielder said.

"When we arrived in South Africa we said we wanted to go through the group stage and we are full of confidence that we can. We already expected before the tournament to go through the group stage, and this is still the same.

"We all know that England is a really good team with big players in their squad, but we are not thinking too much about England - we will concentrate on ourselves and the way we want to play.

"The first game, England versus the USA, England played OK, we saw some good things and bad things, and it was the same in the second game against Algeria. England didn't show the football we expected, but we all need to know that England will be ready."

Central defender Marko Suler is still suffering with a rib injury sustained in the game against the USA and is set to be replaced by Matej Mavric, while Nejc Pecnik, who featured as a substitute against the Americans, has been flown home for treatment on an ankle injury which is expected to sideline him for three months.

Slovenia, the Group C leader on four points, face England, on two points after a pair of draws, while the US team, also on two points but with more goals than England, meet the Algerians, who drew England for its lone point.

"This group has proved there isn't an easy game," US defender Jay DeMerit said. "It's going to be an interesting last day."

The United States has never won a World Cup game in which it fell behind, but it battled back for a 2-2 draw with Slovenia - having a winning goal wiped out by a referee at the death - and a 1-1 draw with England.

"My guess is there aren't many teams in this tournament that could have done what we did," US star midfielder Landon Donovan said. "That's what the American spirit is about."

US teams are only 2-10 with five drawn in World Cup group play since ending a 40-year Cup finals absence in 1990, but the latest edition is not one to ignore before the final whistle.

"This team keeps fighting until the end," US coach Bob Bradley said. "We have the experience of pushing games when we're behind. It's something we feel good about. It's a credit to the mentality of the players."

But there is some US concern about playing well before its rivals score.

"We seem to play better when we're behind and that's all got to change," US goalkeeper Tim Howard said.

"For whatever reason we seem to be very resilient. With a little more luck and concentration we can get on the right side of the scoresheet early on."

Scoring first will be especially important against an Algerian squad that has not scored at all.

"We're frustrated now that we've fallen behind too often," DeMerit said. "It's not always easy to put together that type of comeback.

"I wouldn't call it a 'Cry Wolf' situation. It would be a situation you hope you wouldn't get into in the first place. One thing about not starting as well as we like, when we do start well, we're going to be in good shape."

Algeria's defence silenced a stellar English lineup and knows it must win or go home early from its first World Cup appearance in 24 years.

"They have got the ability to attack and create," Bradley said. "They defend in numbers and take their chances with some of the more creative attacking players going forward. It has worked well for them.

"It means our discipline, our ability to finish attacks, will be very important. Even when you have a talented attacking team like England... getting a goal is still not easy."

The North Africans carry plenty of confidence into the match.

"If Algeria plays to its potential, we do not need to worry about our opponents," Foxes midfielder Karim Matmour said. "If we play our style, we can beat anyone."

Midfielders Karim Ziani and Yazid Mansouri set the tempo for Algeria, which was undone in a loss to Slovenia only after a red card dipped the Desert Foxes to 10 men and made England pay for saying it barely knew any Foxes player.

"We showed that we were worthy of at least a minimum of respect," Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra said.

KEY TO MATCH:

US striker Jozy Altidore vs Algerian defenders

Both teams need to attack at some stage with victory vital to each. The US team figures to go on the offensive early on and with forward Robbie Findley suspended, the workload will fall to Altidore, aided by Clint Dempsey and Donovan. Blunting the initial US surge will be critical for Algeria.

Terry caused a huge stir in the England camp when he went public with criticisms over Capello's decision not to select Cole, sparking talk of a mutiny in the camp. Capello described Terry's actions as a "big mistake".

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Terry apologised and said he wanted to put the matter behind him and his team-mates as it prepares for Thursday morning's (AEST) make-or-break clash with Slovenia.

"I went into yesterday's press conference with the intention of being honest," Terry said. "I was asked a question about Joe Cole and maybe I went too far. But it was never my intention to upset the manager or the players and if I did upset anyone, I apologise.

"I have told the manager he has my total support and I would like to stress that I don't believe I have been a disruptive influence in the camp.

"I would now like to put this episode behind me and concentrate on trying to win what is a massive game for England. All I was trying to do was to say how important it is to me to try to win the World Cup. I just hope people at least appreciate that I have taken the time to call you and have asked you to report what I have to say in response."

In his press conference, Terry had openly challenged Capello, saying: "If it upsets him then I'm on the verge of just saying, 'So what, I'm here to win it for England'."

But any support Terry thought he had from team-mates disappeared, leaving the former England captain to apologise.

Ferguson claims the "debilitating" atmosphere in the England camp is affecting Rooney, but also added that a long campaign has taken its toll on the 24-year-old, who has looked a shadow of the player that scored 34 goals for United last season.

"I had that feeling," Ferguson said. "I spoke to Wayne last week and I just said: 'Relax and enjoy it.' I just sensed there was a tension in and around the camp from what I was hearing. I didn't watch the Algeria game but I just get a feeling that the expectation is affecting the England team.

"Sometimes the expectation can be debilitating in terms of getting the players to perform to the levels required to get through their group."

The pressure appeared to get to Rooney after the 0-0 draw with Algeria, when he angrily criticised England fans as he walked off the pitch.

Rooney is far from being the only underperforming player at the World Cup, but that does not surprise Ferguson.

"It's been a disappointing World Cup but I had a feeling it would be," he added on Sirius radio in New York. "I have been disappointed with the quality levels, I have to say. I haven't been impressed at all.

"The season we have in Europe, particularly in England, is tough. Then the players all met up [with their international squads] three or four days after the season finished and they have been together for most of that time, after a long, hard season.

"It's a real task to ask players to perform at the best level they can after a season in England.

"Germany take that month-long break in January and they always seem to do better in World Cups than anyone ever expects. Even though they are not as strong as German teams of the past, they still manage to do something in World Cups."

Rooney is not the only United player to be struggling in South Africa, as defender Patrice Evra has endured a miserable time captaining the fractured France squad, a team that could soon be inherited by Ferguson's former player Laurent Blanc who is set to take over as coach after the tournament.

"I didn't expect them to do well, but I expected better than what we have seen," Ferguson said. "There seems to be a lot of disharmony in the camp.

"I think it was bad preparation for the players to know that (the manager) Raymond Domenech was leaving and that Laurent Blanc was going to be coming in after the World Cup. They should have brought Blanc along as an over-seer or assistant just to get a look, and maybe he would have had a calming influence and brought a bit of harmony into the squad."

However, Ferguson was happy with the performance of new signing Javier Hernandez, who was in the Mexico side that beat France to 2-0, scoring the first goal, to leave Les Bleus' early exit.

"He did very well," Ferguson said. "He showed good movement, quick and sees space very well. I was very pleased with his performance."

Former skipper John Terry went public with a list of grievances in his remarkable account of life with England in South Africa.

Terry confirmed that he had to plead with Capello's trusted right-hand man Franco Baldini to be allowed a beer in the aftermath of England's dismal draw with Algeria in Cape Town.

The defender is unhappy at the way Capello has been guiding England through the tournament, feeling preparation, tactics and personnel have been wrong, whilst there has been little to alleviate the sheer boredom of spending so much time away.

Players tend to spend most afternoons with little to do, a problem Wayne Rooney hinted at last week, and after five weeks it appears patience in some quarters is at breaking point.

However, in silencing Terry, Capello proved he did not share the concerns and confirmed that those who do not like it will have to lump it.

"Probably one or two are not happy but the majority are," Capello told the BBC.

"One player is not so important compared to all the others. The group is more important. For this reason it is no problem.

"We are here to play at the World Cup, not for a holiday."

Capello did not mention Terry by name following the Chelsea player's extraordinary outburst.

However, he almost taunted the 29-year-old by insisting no attempt was made to raise any issues at a team meeting, which Terry had vowed to use as the platform from which to air his grievances.

And the thinly-veiled attempt to press the claims of Joe Cole for a starting berth in the do-or-die clash with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth were also dismissed, with Capello claiming Terry was not treating the other members of his squad with respect by singling out his Chelsea team-mate for such lavish praise.

"If somebody wants to speak with me, he can speak. I always tell the players they can speak but yesterday nobody did," Capello added.

"Joe Cole is one of 23 players who are here but, when we speak about one single player, you have to respect the other players that played before.

"That's the most important thing, the respect of the other players."

Terry cannot be used to being slapped down in quite such a brutal manner.

After frequently referring to his experiences at Chelsea, he has suddenly found he does not have the same power, either with the captain's armband or without, with England.

However, Capello cannot afford to alienate the 29-year-old completely.

With the Italian's resignation widely anticipated if England fails to secure a place in the last 16, Terry remains one of the true world-class talents in the England squad.

And, with Jamie Carragher suspended and Ledley King injured, he will anchor a defence in which he will be partnered by Matthew Upson.

The West Ham United defender started four qualifiers, completing a 100 percent record, and also scored in the impressive friendly win over Germany in Berlin in November 2008.

And although Capello also has the uncapped Michael Dawson available, he will turn to Upson to keep Slovenia at bay.

"Upson will play because he played always with John Terry," Capello said.

Other changes are anticipated, which could yet mean a first appearance of the tournament for Cole, whose total exclusion when Shaun Wright-Phillips has made two appearances from the bench, is mystifying.

Another of Terry's major bones of contention was Capello's post-match assertion that England was struggling so badly because it was fearful of the pressure it was under on such a grand stage.

It raised Terry's hackles and had him bristling with indignation given the huge number of big games he has been involved in throughout his career.

However, 48 hours before a match he admits is one of the most important of his career, Capello is sticking to his guns.

"It is a mental thing. When you are under pressure, big pressure, sometimes the legs do not work normally," he said.

"It happened to me as a player but I think on Wednesday the team will be fit."

It needs to be fit, its minds need to be free and Terry in particular needs to approach the game without emotional baggage given the turmoil of the past 24 hours.

So many of Capello's players, Terry included, are in what is expected to be their last World Cup campaign.

And unless England can summon up a performance that is vastly different from the shocking display against Algeria, it will be packing its bags and getting ready for home.

"After this game we have no more chances. We have to win," Capello added.

"The results have not been good but I haven't seen the right spirit on the pitch for 90 minutes, only for five or six minutes.

"I hope in the next game the spirit I saw in qualification will return."

To qualify for the FIFA World Cup the team from a nation of just two million people knocked out Russia in a play-off and was eight minutes away from beating the United States in its second Group C match, a result which would have seen it safely through to the knockout stages before its meeting with Fabio Capello's men in Port Elizabeth.

Captain Robert Koren, released earlier this northern summer by West Bromwich Albion, is a man full of confidence in his side's goal to dent the egos of England's Premier League stars and a firm believer in the slogan, written in English, which dominates its base in the wealthy Hyde Park area of Johannesburg.

"It was a big achievement for the country to come to the World Cup but now everybody wants to improve," he said.

"When we arrived in South Africa we said we wanted to go through the group stage and we are full of confidence that we can. We already expected before the tournament to go through the group stage, and this is still the same.

"We all know that England is a really good team with big players in their squad, but we are not thinking too much about England - we will concentrate on ourselves and the way we want to play," he said.

"The first game, England versus the USA, England played okay, we saw some good things and bad things, and it was the same in the second game against Algeria. England didn't show the football we expected, but we all need to know that England will be ready."

Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek does not give the impression of a man who makes concessions to anyone, but he did trade some information with England boss Fabio Capello when, after learning that Matthew Upson was set to start against Slovenia in place of the suspended Jamie Carragher, he revealed that Marko Suler's rib injury was likely to rule him out with Matej Mavric expected to come in.

Nejc Pecnik, one of the heroes of the play-off success against Russia, is out for three months with an ankle problem but otherwise Kek's side is at full strength.

That means Koren and the excellent playmaker Valter Birsa should play and could cause problems for England, so much so that Kek is confident he does not need to pay attention to the other Group C match which is being played simultaneously between the USA and Algeria.

"I don't care about the other match, I am just focused on this match and I think we will come out on top," he said.

Kek was reticent to answer any questions about England other than to express his respect for his opposite number Capello, but whereas the public mood in England towards the Italian seems to be shifting, Kek gets the sense that back in Ljubljana his country is united in excitement.

"Our whole nation is together, they are following our successes," he said.

"They are together like the team is together at the moment."

A team that demands to be judged not on size, but on collective strength.

The Chelsea midfielder believes Terry was trying to highlight the special talent of that duo rather than implying the remainder of the squad was lacking in similar quality.

Terry made his claims even though Cole was overlooked by Fabio Capello for the opening two FIFA World Cup games with the United States and Algeria while Rooney has struggled to fire on all cylinders.

Lampard said: "I don't think John meant what he said in a negative way. What he said was right.

"Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole, they have that special ability. We had it at Chelsea for a long time.

"Even though we've got (Didier) Drogba, even though we've got (Florent) Malouda, (Salomon) Kalou, all these players, people will always say Joe Cole is the one who can give you something different.

"But that's not saying that Drogba isn't probably the best striker in the world. It's just a figure of speech. John was speaking about those two players."

Lampard added: "I'm sure if you want JT to speak about Steven Gerrard or Aaron Lennon, then he'll tell you they can unlock defences and score great goals.

"If you want to start taking it literally what he said, then you can. Everyone knows really what John was saying. He wasn't saying no-one else in the squad can do that.

"He was talking specifically about those players. Players aren't that sensitive.

"I wasn't knocking John's door down and saying: 'are you saying I can't unlock a defence?' I didn't take any offence from that. It wasn't like that at all."

Lampard recognises the need for England players to replicate their club form but knows obtaining the right result is the main criteria.

He said: "Players have produced it for England at certain times. We'll hold our hands up and say there have been times when we haven't done that.

"International football is something different. The players here are all striving to do that. It's not always that easy. But you'd do well to pick an outstanding player out at this World Cup so far.

"There hasn't really been one. (Lionel) Messi and Kaka are both outstanding, and they will arrive and do special things, but it's not always that way.

"What we have to make sure is that, if everyone isn't performing at our best, we get the group and the team getting the results we need. That's important."

Lampard admits: "We can improve the performances, without a doubt but we have to put a lot of this into perspective.

"We can get carried away with wins and with bad performances or losses in football.

"I remember sitting there three months ago at Chelsea after the loss to Inter Milan and, looking back, we didn't believe we could win the league or the double. The players turned that round.

"We have to look at ourselves now and remember what a qualifying campaign England had, the way we played, and we should never forget that.

"We can take the negatives from the Algeria game, but let's think more about the positives of the team we have, the players we've got and what we can do."

Former captain John Terry laid bare a series of grievances and personnel issues which he vowed to raise at a pre-planned team meeting with coach Capello.

But former Manchester United defender Parker claims Terry would have been better off keeping his thoughts to himself.

Parker, who made 19 appearances for England between 1989 and 1994, said: "John Terry's comments surprised me. That doesn't show respect for team-mates or the manager.

"He has jumped on his high horse and that could cost him dearly because Capello won't be happy at all.

"He has got to remember that he is no longer captain. Steven Gerrard is captain of England now."

After draws against the United States and Algeria, Parker thinks such talk from Terry can be counter-productive ahead of the match against Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

He said: "This is a game of football - not mutiny. Everyone has to be together in situations like this. You don't want to cause splits."

However, Parker agrees with Terry on the need to recall Joe Cole to the team.

Cole, who will be a free agent when his deal with Chelsea expires at the end of the month, has yet to figure for England in South Africa.

Parker explained: "There is one man who can make a real difference and that's Joe Cole. But we just haven't seen him.

"Now we will have to wait and see what Fabio Capello does. You have to say there must be a personal issue or is it the simple reason that he doesn't quite fancy him.

"There must be something going on. He (Cole) was out injured during the season and then, when he came back, he wasn't picked by his club manager. I would like to see him play against Slovenia.

"He can do things. He is capable of gaining free-kicks because opponents are frightened of him getting forward."

Parker believes Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson should partner Terry in central defence, with Jamie Carragher suspended.

Speaking to Betfred.com, he said: "God knows why he wasn't in the original squad - but he should replace Carra against Slovenia without a shadow of doubt.

"Michael Dawson was playing well for his club at the end of the season yet he picked (Matthew) Upson, who just hasn't been playing well."

On the game itself, Parker added: "We need to show grit.

"We could be up against a team that sits back and we will have to break them down.

"I have a gut feeling that we are going to draw. This could end 0-0."

With more exalted nations like France and England experiencing problems within the camp Matmour believes the African nation can draw on its spirit to secure the victory which could be enough to put it through to the knockout stage.

"I play for the team. That is every player's job," said the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder, who is 25 on Friday.

"Today's football is very physical. Skill is just for the final metres."

Antar Yahia, who took over the captaincy when midfielder Yazid Mansouri was dropped from the starting line-up, added: "Our strength is playing collectively.

"We know if we don't play as a team we can't win."

With Ledley King injured and Carragher suspended, coach Fabio Capello confirmed Upson will play in Port Elizabeth.

A regular during qualifying games for the finals in South Africa, the 31-year-old will partner John Terry.

"Upson will play because he always played with John Terry and I probably will change some others," Capello told the BBC.

England, which needs a victory to secure a place in the knockout stages after draws against the United States and Algeria, is running out of defensive options.

Capello was left to choose between Upson and uncapped Tottenham Hotspur defender Michael Dawson who was called up as a late replacement for injured captain Rio Ferdinand.

King sustained a groin injury against the US which ruled him out for three weeks.

His replacement Carragher picked up bookings against both the US and Algeria which has resulted in a one-game ban.

Former captain Terry laid bare a series of grievances and personnel issues which he vowed to raise at a pre-planned team meeting with manager Fabio Capello.

Opinion has been mixed about Terry's motives for speaking out, but Lampard said: "I don't think anyone wants to give too much away about what was said.

"I think it's been particularly overdone in terms of a 'crisis meeting' ... but I understand what John Terry was saying because he's passionate like that, as a player as a person.

"Every person deals with things differently. Some won't say much and others want to hit things head-on.

"But people want to see a reaction and people have said he (Terry) has said some positive things.

"We'll try to hit things head-on on the training ground."

Lampard added at the press conference at England's World Cup training camp in Rustenburg: "It seems to me the manager and (number two) Franco Baldini have always been very approachable."

Lampard gave his unequivocal backing to Capello, insisting that he wanted him to stay in the job after the FIFA World Cup.

He said: "It's always been the same thing with football - you have your up and down moments."

He added: "I've really enjoyed working with him and, yes, I would like him to stay.

"I've been lucky enough to work with some fantastic managers and Fabio Capello is right up there."

The Chelsea midfielder dismissed the suggestion that, by picking out Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole as players who could 'unlock defences', club team-mate Terry had offended him.

"I don't think players are that sensitive," he said.

"I wasn't knocking John's door down saying 'Do you think I can't unlock a defence'."

Following Terry's press conference, the meeting between players and coaching staff was billed as a chance to clear the air with the former captain promising a frank exchange of views.

But Lampard said: "The meeting was just the manager dealing with the Algeria match and we moved on."

Lampard revealed nine players discussed concerns over a beer after the Algeria game but Lampard said: "I'm not a rebel - but I've had my moments! The fact I'm seen as 'a rebel' baffles me.

"It was lads sitting down talking about the game. That's the only way I've known a team to talk about results. Socialising is a completely normal thing."

On Capello he added: "I'm sure he's spoken to certain individuals because there are times he's done it to me.

"He's a strong manager and his style is very strong but we respect him very much, have faith in him and have faith we'll win on Wednesday."

The Chelsea midfielder, who revealed he does not know the line-up for the Slovenia game yet, also spoke out for David Beckham.

Lampard said: "He is not just for picking up tops. I think he has got a nice sentiment and a way of approaching people and making them feel comfortable. He's seen a lot and spoken to me at times. He's been a very helpful presence.

"One player a day comes here to speak - but what matters now is Wednesday."

With speculation mounting Capello will quit if England fail to secure a place in the knockout stages and his players openly questioning a hard-line strategy that appears ill-suited to spending weeks away in camp, the Italian has to try and keep a cool head and get his tactics right.

It is not going to be an easy task but Capello insists he can cope.

"I am strong enough to deal with it," he said. "It is no problem for me.

"I work hard and I prepare everything. That is important.

"Every morning I look in the mirror and ask whether I have worked and whether I have studied everything. Yes I have.

"For this reason I will accept the criticism and everything. I don't know what the result will be but I do know the result is the most important thing."

Yet getting that result has proved elusive so far.

The senior Football Association figures in South Africa insist they remain solidly behind Capello and are not even thinking about the worst case scenario.

"We are absolutely focused on Wednesday night's game," said Club England managing director Adrian Bevington.

"Nothing else is in our minds. We are fully supportive of Fabio Capello and the England team and believe they will have the total support of the England fans in Port Elizabeth this week."

Yet even Capello admits he is at a loss to explain precisely why his team have been performing so poorly.

Just like his very first game in charge, against Switzerland at Wembley in February 2008, the Italian has seen some excellent training ground performances completely fail to be transferred into a match situation.

"Yes, it almost feels like all the work of the last two years has been for nothing," he sighed.

"I am not happy because we have worked hard for 20 days.

"You see all the things during the training. Then on the pitch it is completely different. As a manager, when that happens it is no good.

"I don't understand why during a game we don't change the rhythm or the speed. We are really slow. At this World Cup if you don't run or press or fight it is difficult to go forward."

After arriving at the FIFA World Cup with such high hopes following a qualifying campaign where it registered nine wins from 10 matches, the Three Lions' collapse has been unexpected as it has been sudden.

Draws in its opening two matches was bad enough. But the manner of the performances, particularly against Algeria in Cape Tow, have been so lacking in quality there is genuine uncertainty over whether England can claim the victory over Slovenia in its final Group C game that would ease its passage into the knockout stages.

Even Capello is at a loss to explain the downturn in fortunes.

Just like his very first game in charge, against Switzerland at Wembley in February 2008, the Italian has seen some excellent training ground performances completely fail to be transferred into a match situation.

"Yes, it almost feels like all the work of the last two years has been for nothing," he sighed.

"I am not happy because we have worked hard for 20 days.

"You see all the things during the training. Then on the pitch it is completely different. As a manager, when that happens it is no good.

"I don't understand why during a game we don't change the rhythm or the speed. We are really slow. At this World Cup if you don't run or press or fight it is difficult to go forward."

Capello can only hope the pre-planned clear-the-air meeting with his squad resolved the issues that are stopping it. If not, England will surely be on its way home on Friday morning (AEST) and the Italian might well be out of a job.

Senior Football Association officials have offered their backing, with new Club England chief executive Adrian Bevington telling BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "Fabio was given a contract until 2012 and nothing has changed in that respect.

"Our position was very clear when we dealt with this three or four weeks ago. All we are concentrating on is getting a win on Wednesday and trying to get through to the next round."

There has to be an element of 'he would wouldn't he?' about such soothing words, knowing the firestorm that would be unleashed should England tumble out at the first opportunity of a tournament it had genuine hopes of winning and its manager claimed there was no reason why the Three Lions could not reach the final of.

The heat has certainly been turned up on Capello to an extent the Italian would rarely have been used to, even in a career that included two spells with Real Madrid, plus Juventus, AC Milan and Roma.

He insists he can cope.

"I am strong enough to deal with it," he said. "It is no problem for me.

"I work hard and I prepare everything. That is important.

"Every morning I look in the mirror and ask whether I have worked and whether I have studied everything. Yes I have.

"For this reason I will accept the criticism and everything. I don't know what the result will be but I do know the result is the most important thing."

The growing clamour for Joe Cole's inclusion came to the edge of the squad with Gary Neville's assertion that the out-of-contract midfielder needs to be included on Thursday before John Terry broke ranks to highlight the virtually unique talents of his long-time Chelsea team-mate within the England squad.

Capello might be unimpressed by such an open show of personal feelings, but really the Italian should be thankful to Terry for a speech that it is hard to imagine anyone else being capable of delivering, including the manager himself given the difficulties of communicating in a foreign tongue.

Terry's rousing words were followed up by more pointed views being expressed in private as between them England attempt to find a solution that would allow what Capello continues to insist is fear to be released and let his undoubtedly talented bunch of players reach their potential.

"It is not easy to understand what happened in the minds of the players," said Capello.

"I remember sometimes, because of the pressure, it happened to me during a game.

"I am not criticising the players. Fear stops the legs, the mind and everything. I just hope for a reaction."

Fabio Capello's squad's FIFA World Cup hopes have been left in the balance as a result of a goalless draw with Algeria in Cape Town.

Wayne Rooney and Company never looked like breaking down an Algerian side that had been fired up by Rooney's pre-match comments that England would not need to be at their best to win the match.

"In a World Cup, you always have to respect your opponent," said the Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra. "We showed that we were worthy of at least a minimum of respect."

Striker Ryad Boudebouz admitted that the Algerians had taken particular pleasure from making Rooney regret his ill-judged pre-match remarks, which included an admission that Nadir Belhadj, the Portsmouth defender, was the only Algerian he had heard of.

"It's true that getting a draw made us particularly happy because of the way the English under-estimated us with their comments in the media in the run-up to the match.

"We put our heart and soul into this match because we were determined to show them that we were not in this World Cup by accident."

The goalless draw has left England needing to beat Slovenia on Thursday morning (AEST) to be sure of progressing to the knockout stages and the Algerians would not be surprised if Capello's squad is forced to book an early flight back to London.

"To be perfectly honest, I expected much better from then," said veteran coach Rabah Saadane, who believes England were taken by surprise by the ease with which Algeria were able to retain possession.

"I don't know what was going on with them. They were better against the United States but they definitely didn't have their best day against us.

"It's up to their coach to draw the conclusions from that, not me, but it is clear that our short-passing game gave them problems."

Portsmouth midfielder Hassan Yebda queried whether Capello had, as many believed prior to the World Cup, got the balance of his midfield right.

"Everyone knows that Frank Lampard is not the same player for England as he is in a Chelsea shirt," Yebda said. "And maybe his style and qualities are too similar to (Steven) Gerrard for them to play together."

Slovenia skipper Robert Koren and goalkeeper Samir Handanovic were unhappy with the way Rooney won a penalty when challenged by Bostjan Cesar in last September's friendly international.

It came at a time when the issue of diving in football was attracting plenty of headlines and helped England to a 2-1 victory at Wembley.

Koren, who will lead his country in the Port Elizabeth clash in three days' time, said at the time: "There has been a lot of criticism about diving.

"In my opinion Rooney went down too easily (for the penalty). Let's see if he gets criticised."

Handanovic felt Rooney, whose form so far during the World Cup finals has been below-par, should have been yellow carded.

He said: "It was never a penalty, it was a foul to us and Rooney should have been shown a yellow card."

Midfielder Aleksander Radosavljevic: "That's the price you pay for being a small nation.

"We all saw Rooney tangling with Cesar. We have to live with it."

Rooney will head into the make-or-break game with the Slovenians still looking for his first ever World Cup finals goal.

He has failed to hit the target in seven matches spanning the 2006 and 2010 tournaments.

It is in contrast to his form in the qualifiers for South Africa when he netted nine goals.

Pavlos Joseph, 32, from Crystal Palace, south-east London, was released on bail after appearing in court in Cape Town charged with trespassing.

Joseph told a Sunday newspaper he was looking for a toilet after the game against Algeria when a security guard sent him in the direction of the players' tunnel.

After taking a wrong turn he found himself in the changing room where he says he told David Beckham: "David, we've spent a lot of money getting here. This is a disgrace. What are you going to do about it?"

England's poor performance on Friday saw the team draw 0-0 with Algeria at the city's Green Point Stadium.

Joseph was arrested at his hotel on Sunday morning (Local time).

South African Police Service spokeswoman Brigadier Sally de Beer said he was released on 500 rand ($76.20) bail and banned from future World Cup matches. He is due back in court tomorrow to stand trial.

Former captain John Terry revealed the squad will sit down with Capello and discuss possible switches in tactics and personnel for the make or break meeting with Slovenia.

England produced a performance devoid of passion and belief as it drew 0-0 with Algeria to leave its hopes of qualification for the last 16 hanging by a thread.

Whether Capello listens to what Terry and the players have to say remains to be seen - but it is an indication of the concern in the squad that they feel it crucial to discuss any misgivings.

Terry may no longer be England captain but he spoke with the passion and heart of a leader when revealing the need for everyone to get together and try and salvage hopes of glory in South Africa.

The Chelsea captain said: "We have gone to Fabio Capello and discussed possible tactical changes in the past and we will do again if we feel it needs to be done.

"We've got a meeting tonight, probably to watch the Algeria game to see where we went wrong, which is probably the whole 90 minutes.

"As a group of players, we owe it to ourselves and to everyone back home, if we feel there is a problem, to say so. There is no point in keeping it in.

"Whether we have an argument with the manager or it upsets him, us expressing our opinions, everyone needs to get off their chests exactly how they feel.

"As a group of experienced players, we owe to ourselves, our country and the manager to be honest.

"If we feel in that meeting tonight things need to change, everyone needs to voice their opinion.

"If it upsets him or any other player, so what?"

Terry clearly remains a major influence on the squad even though Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are the official captain and vice-captain.

He said: "I'm not distancing myself away from responsibilities. I am here as captain as Chelsea and I'm a big personality in the dressing room.

"Responsibility falls on me, Stevie, Lamps, all the experienced players in the side, to get things going again and that is what we are trying to do."

However, Terry insists the players remain 100 percent behind Capello whatever he decides, despite reports of dressing room unrest.

He said: "I am not too sure whether he will change personnel, his ways, whatever.

"But, whatever he does, myself and everyone is behind him.

"I'm not going to sit here and question the manager. I'm here on behalf of the team and the players and we are all fully behind the manager.

"Since he came in, he's had his ways and philosophies which he has brought to the side and that has worked in the campaign so nothing should change from that.

"We shouldn't be looking at excuses or criticising the manager. He takes a lot of responsibility being the England manager.

"But at the same time we are here, we are supporting him, we are fully behind him, we know we've got his support as well and that's the main thing."

Whatever influence the players have on Capello, Terry knows England has to improve significantly if it is to overcome Slovenia.

He said: "The players were disappointed with the way they performed. I was quite happy with the way we played against USA and we were unfortunate not to win the game.

"The other night, as a group of players, we came out and held our hands up and it was not acceptable the way we played, the attitude we showed in the game.

"The thing that is keeping me going is this last game, that we can go into this game four days later and prove people wrong.

"We need to put on a performance that pleases everyone but more importantly gets the three points and gets us through the group.

"We will go out there and need to think 'sod it, we've got one game which can make or break us'.

"I've said to the guys I've been away from my family for three or four weeks and I've come here to win this tournament.

"I don't want to go home on Wednesday. I'm here to win it."

Lacklustre Group C draws against Algeria and the USA have left England requiring a win against Slovenia on Thursday (AEST) to guarantee its progress into the second round of the tournament.

This morning's newspapers are awash with suggestions that Capello's strict regime has caused friction within the England dressing-room, something which the FA vehemently denies.

The England boss, who led the team to nine wins in 10 games in qualification, has refused to say whether he will leave his post if the team fails to qualify from a group it was expected to breeze through.

The FA moved quickly to ensure that a release clause was removed from the Italian's contract earlier this month after Inter Milan admitted their interest in appointing the 64-year-old as their new manager, a position which subsequently went to Rafael Benitez.

That meant Capello would remain in the job until after the European Championships in 2012.

When asked about whether Capello would remain as manager if England failed to progress from the group stage, managing director of Club England Adrian Bevington told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "Fabio was given a contract until 2012 and nothing has changed in that respect.

"Our position was very clear when we dealt with this three or four weeks ago. Nothing has changed as far as we are concerned.

"All we are concentrating on is getting a win on Wednesday and trying to get through to the next round."

Reports suggest the players are unhappy with Wayne Rooney for his blast at the England fans who booed the team after the dismal 0-0 draw with Algeria.

Joe Cole's omission from the first two games has also reportedly startled some team members, but Bevington insists there is no disharmony in the England camp.

"There is certainly not any disharmony from what I have seen," Bevington said.

"The mood in the England camp is a group of players and coaches who are very very focused on the match against Slovenia in Port Elizabeth and try to get the win we need that will take us through.

"Anyone who works on media or football knows that when the results or performances are not quite what they want them to be - and when the whole focus of attention is on you - people look for certain angles and we have seen this many times over the years.

"When results aren't going particularly well then you hear different stories of disharmony or disharmony in the camp.

"I have been around England for the best part of 13 or 14 years now and what I have seen is that we have a very experienced manager here who has been applauded from the minute he got the job.

"We appreciate that on Friday evening the level of experience wasn't anywhere near what we would have liked.

"Fabio was open about that but the most important thing is that we all stay together as one."

Graeme Le Saux, who played 36 times for England, says he is surprised at Cole's omission, and believes there is a communication problem between Capello and his players.

"There must be something going on in terms of the relationship (between the players and management)," said the former Chelsea defender.

"Whenever they have met for a game they have been together for a few days then gone away.

"This time it has been an intense three or four weeks so perhaps Capello is finding it hard to keep that distance from them, to try to be the manager he was during qualification, which was very cold and very stand off-ish.

"He is having to form relationships and maybe he's struggling to do that.

"I'm surprised Joe Cole hasn't featured so far and that suggests to me that there's something not quite right because he's probably the only player in that position who has the ability to keep the ball, change the tempo of the game and have the confidence to change the game.

"For him not to come on against Algeria, I was flabbergasted really."

Former England midfielder John Barnes echoed Le Saux's concerns.

He said: "England have the quality but they just don't seem to be together. There appears to be disharmony and we don't know why.

"I can't understand the omission of Joe Cole but something must have gone on because in the two games before the World Cup he played a lot and he is one of our best players."

Neville, who won the last of his 85 caps in February 2007, believes the Italian has to dispense with the "out-dated" 4-4-2 formation if they are to have any chance of success at the FIFA World Cup.

The Manchester United captain feels Steven Gerrard should be freed from the limitations of his left-midfield role and given an attacking role - similar to the one he has at Liverpool - behind Wayne Rooney.

"I was surprised at the insistence on continuing to play 4-4-2 against Algeria," said Neville.

"It was made for Steven Gerrard to get closer to Wayne Rooney; you could see Rooney getting frustrated by the lack of possession.

"Our best player against Algeria - Gerrard - was sacrificed to the left.

"He should be in central positions affecting the game like he was in the first match (against the United States).

"If he's not going to be in central midfield with Frank Lampard, he has to play off the front.

"Let's start by playing our best players in their best positions.

"Rooney is a centre-forward who has played up front on his own all season and scored 32 goals; Gerrard plays off the front and in central positions for Liverpool.

"So let's play them where they are most comfortable and the rest of the players can fall into place.

"I did think going towards the latter stages of the tournament we would have to play three in midfield, with Gerrard off Rooney.

"Emile Heskey has done pretty well, but I think perhaps he has to become a victim of the need to change the system.

"We shouldn't manoeuvre our best players to fit in a system I think is out-dated at international level."

After a 1-1 draw with the US and a goalless outing against Algeria England has to beat Slovenia, currently top of Group C with four points, to ensure it progresses.

Anything less and there is a real danger England will be returning home early.

Neville feels the players have suddenly been struck down by low confidence, despite an impressive qualifying campaign when they won nine out of 10 matches.

"There seems to be a lack of belief in the team," the 35-year-old told the Times of Malta.

"Some England players I have played with over the past 15 years didn't seem to be themselves.

"You could point to a number of factors: it could be that players are not in form and are not feeling good about themselves, or it could be because of injuries and uncertainty about defensive positions and the goalkeeper.

"But for me, against Slovenia on Wednesday there will have to be a change in the style of play.

"It doesn't seem to me that the players are totally comfortable with the way they are playing.

"People mentioned the word 'fear' after the Algeria game.

"But if England were to beat Slovenia then would be a completely different atmosphere around the squad.

"If the players play in positions where they can play to their potential, I think we will see the best of them."

Pavlos Joseph, 32, from Crystal Palace, south-east London, said a security guard sent him in the direction of the players' tunnel explaining there were toilets nearby, and after taking a wrong turn he found himself in the changing room.

The intrusion, which happened minutes after Princes William and Harry left following England's goalless draw with Algeria on Friday night, prompted the Football Association (FA) to make an official complaint to FIFA World Cup organisers who promised to tighten security.

Mr Joseph, a life-long England and Manchester United supporter, said he told a stunned David Beckham that fans had been left bitterly disappointed at England's performance.

"I looked David straight in the eye and said, 'David, we've spent a lot of money getting here. This is a disgrace. What are you going to do about it?"

The mortgage advisor told the Sunday Mirror that when Beckham asked him who he was, he had responded: "I'm Pavlos and I actually need the toilet."

He said he then addressed the players, who were sitting on benches with towels around their waists.

"I told them, 'That was woeful and not good enough'. The room was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. The players' chins were on their chests - they looked pretty ashamed."

South African police said they were still searching for the intruder who was let free before he could be arrested.

Provincial police spokesman Colonel Billy Jones said he was wanted for trespassing and police were investigating why he was not handed over to officers.

But Mr Joseph claimed he had handed his card to a FIFA official who escorted him out of the dressing room.

At an FA reception in Johannesburg yesterday, Beckham played down the incident, saying it had been "blown out of all proportion".

Beckham, who gave a joint interview with Princes William and Harry, said: "Luckily it was after the princes had left - five to 10 minutes after. Obviously it's been blown out of all proportion as well.

"The actual fan literally just walked in very casually and just said something to me and then walked out - there was no scuffle, there was no aggression at all."

Meanwhile, there were further problems for the England camp with striker Wayne Rooney having to issue an apology "for any offence caused" by his criticism of fans as they booed the team off the pitch at full-time.

William and Harry were pictured holding their faces during Saturday's match, while an animated Beckham - who is a member of the team's backroom staff after injury ruled him out of contention for the squad - was seen leaping out of his dug-out seat at times.

The princes and the midfielder remain optimistic England can still make it to the knockout stages and said a win against Slovenia would put them back on track.

Beckham said: "We win the next game, we win the group. We know we've not played well in the first two games but we haven't lost, we've got two points.

"To get it back on track it's easy - if we win our last game then everything looks good again."

William revealed the three of them tried to lighten the mood in the dressing room.

He said: "It wasn't a loss, it was a draw and the guys went in the changing room fairly upset about how they played but by the time we finished there were laughs and jokes - Harry and I acted like idiots.

"We tried to get David in on the act as well and the three of us tried to raise some spirits, that's what we did really."

Beckham praised the princes for helping to boost the morale in the England changing room, and said: "I think what the princes done coming in after the game lifted the guys last night, it took our minds off the game - half-an-hour after the game. The guys were a little bit more relaxed last night."

But the Chelsea defender also admits it was unrealistic to expect Fabio Capello's side to stroll through their group programme.

Terry wants all negative thoughts about England's performances to be put to one side for the make-or-break meeting with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST).

England has to win against the current group leaders to guarantee a place in the final 16.

Former skipper Terry said: "The players are feeling exactly the same way as the fans, frustrated.

"At the same time, we need to win our last game. It is as simple as that.

"We just need everyone behind us still. There is no point everyone criticising.

"We haven't done it up to now. We need to do it in the next game. If we do it next game, we go through the group.

"There is no point in us getting worried. If we don't win the next game, then is the time to be worried.

"We still have a chance of going through the group and still topping it.

"We have made it difficult for ourselves but it is in our hands. If we win, we are top of the group and we move on from there."

England was made favourite by bookmakers before the tournament to win its group after triumphing in nine of their 10 qualifiers.

But Terry insisted: "Listen, we are at the World Cup, we are talking about the best teams who have qualified through their groups.

"Even when we played Mexico back at Wembley, people were expecting us to walk over them and even though we won the game, it was a difficult game.

"We saw them win the other night (against France) and they are a tough side and people have to realise that is what the tournament is like.

"But the expectation is there as a country to come here and we expect to get through this group, let's make no bones about it."

When asked if the players were feeling anxious and tense, Terry said: "I think that is fair.

"We as a group of players need to relax and just do what we do week in and week out and what we did in the group campaign to get here.

"Everyone knows we can play and we see that week in and week out, us playing football on the floor.

"Nothing should change. We shouldn't be changing the way we play."

Although trying to be realistic about expectations, Terry also concedes he has seen little for England to fear in the opening phase of the tournament.

He said: "We shouldn't be worried about other sides because, from what I've seen so far, other teams don't worry me at all.

"Argentina look the best of everyone so far. Everyone hyped on about Germany and then they get turned over. Other teams don't worry me.

"But it is a must to get through the group if we want to go on."

Terry will have yet another new defensive partner against Slovenia following Jamie Carragher's suspension for collecting two yellow cards.

Michael Dawson or Matthew Upson are the only other two fit and available centre-backs.

But Terry said: "I know everyone well enough, whether it be Michael or Matty, whoever comes in alongside me, honestly.

"I've got four or five days to the next game so there will be enough preparation on the training field."

Beckham would not disclose what the intruder said but stressed it was not a comment on the team's performance that prompted boos from disgruntled fans.

Meanwhile, there were further problems for the England camp with striker Wayne Rooney having to issue an apology 'for any offence caused' by his criticism of fans as they booed the team off the pitch at full-time.

The former England skipper said the dressing room incident had been 'blown out of all proportion', although the Football Association made an official complaint and FIFA promised to tighten security.

The 35-year-old spoke during an FA reception in Johannesburg attended by Princes William and Harry who were also at the game.

Beckham, who gave a joint interview with the royals, said about the incident: "Luckily it was after the princes had left - five to 10 minutes after. Obviously it's been blown out of all proportion as well.

"The actual fan literally just walked in very casually and just said something to me and then walked out - there was no scuffle, there was no aggression at all."

Asked what was said, Harry interjected, laughing: "A personal conversation," and Beckham agreed: "It was a very personal conversation.

"He didn't comment on the performance, he literally walked in, said hello."

William and Harry were pictured holding their faces during the match, while Beckham - who is a member of the team's backroom staff after injury ruled him out of contention - was animated in the dug-out.

All three remain optimistic England can still make it to the knock-out stages and said a win next week against Slovenia would put it back on track.

Beckham said: "We win the next game, we win the group. We know we've not played well in the first two games but we haven't lost, we've got two points.

"To get it back on track it's easy - if we win our last game then everything looks good again."

William revealed the three of them tried to lighten the mood in the dressing room.

He said: "It wasn't a loss, it was a draw and the guys went in the changing room fairly upset about how they played but by the time we finished there were laughs and jokes - Harry and I acted like idiots.

"We tried to get David in on the act as well and the three of us tried to raise some spirits, that's what we did really."

Beckham praised the princes for helping to boost the morale in the England changing room, and said: "I think what the princes did coming in after the game lifted the guys last night, it took our minds off the game - half-an-hour after the game. The guys were a little bit more relaxed last night."

South African police are still searching for the England fan who was let free before he could be arrested.

Provincial police spokesman Colonel Billy Jones said the man, who was wearing a red T-shirt, was wanted for trespassing.

He said police were investigating why he was not handed over to officers.

Fabio Capello's side was booed from the pitch after a feeble goalless draw with Algeria in Cape Town, a result which leaves it with two points from two Group C matches.

With the stalemate at Green Point Stadium following a 1-1 draw with the United States in its opening game, England needs to beat Slovenia to ensure it reaches the last 16 in South Africa.

Crouch, a late substitute against Algeria, believes England's capacity to improve on two such lacklustre displays is cause for optimism.

"We can play a lot better than that," he said.

"On this occasion we didn't play great but it's not all doom and gloom, there's one more game to go.

"Hopefully we can get better. I was watching it the same as you, it was one of those games and things didn't seem to click.

"We'll work hard in training to get things right for the last game. We have to.

"If we win next week (against Slovenia) we are through. It's simple enough.

"It's a massive, massive game, it's 90 minutes and we've got an opportunity to play a lot better and get a result.

"In the first half especially we didn't pass the ball around well, a few players for Algeria did well and credit to them, they got the point.

"Certainly at half-time the manager wasn't happy. As the game went on we worked better and had some chances."

Crouch insists the experienced squad have skins thick enough to take the heat generated by their terrible tournament so far.

"We've got experienced players who have played in World Cups, European championships and the Champions League before. Of course we're going to get our knockers.

"I'm sure all the lads can take it on their shoulders."

As he made his way off the pitch following the goalless draw with Algeria, a result that leaves England's qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Rooney turned to a television camera and condemned the fans who had booed the Three Lions' performance, before swearing.

After reflecting on his conduct overnight, Rooney admitted he had gone over the top.

"Last night, on reflection I said things in the heat of the moment that came out of frustration of both our performance and the result," Rooney said in a statement issued by the Football Association.

"For my part I apologise for any offence caused by my actions at the end of the game."

The 24-year-old allowed his frustrations to spill over after failing to score in his sixth consecutive tournament game, a run that dates back to Euro 2004.

Rooney's overall display was well below his usual level, prompting further questions to be raised about the Manchester United man's fitness.

Clearly agitated at a draw that left England in third place in Group C and outside the top two qualifying slots ahead of their final game with Slovenia in Port Elizabeth, Rooney snapped: "Nice to see your own fans booing you. If that's what loyal support is."

He then muttered a swear word as he walked towards the home dressing room, which was subsequently entered by an unauthorised supporter, shortly after the departure of Prince William and Prince Harry, prompting a major police inquiry.

The words were replayed almost immediately and have made headlines around the world.

And he has also issued a rallying cry he hopes will lead to unity as England chase that crucial victory this week.

"I am as passionate about the England team as anyone," he added.

"The most important thing now is to regroup, be positive and work towards winning the game on Wednesday.

"To do this the players will need the support of the fans more than ever."

Although England fans have a reputation for being hard to please, it is hard to imagine they will turn on their talisman.

Indeed, some may view Rooney's conduct as being an admirable show of hunger and commitment, even if it was directed towards them.

The Manchester United striker was distinctly unimpressive as Fabio Capello's side laboured to a goalless Group C draw with Algeria in Cape Town.

Rooney did little to help his situation with a vitriolic rant at television cameras about the fans booing the team at full-time.

Barry, however, believes Rooney's role of talisman should not be questioned.

"We know we need Wayne," he said. "Wayne, at any time, can produce something magic."

Team-mate Jermain Defoe, a late substitute up front, concurred with the midfielder.

"As a forward, when you don't score for a few games you get frustrated and maybe you slash at things," he admitted. "But Wazza is a great player.

"He might nick a hat-trick in the next game, you never know. The good thing about Wazza is he always works hard, always tries and he wants to play well every game. He's got that spirit."

Barry played his first match of the tournament having missed the 1-1 draw with the United States while recovering from injury. Like his team-mates he was guilty of a poor individual and collective performance and was reflective after the match.

"It is disappointing," he conceded.

"Obviously, it was a big game for us today and we wanted to take three points. Our performance was probably a little bit flat, not attacking enough, but we're still in it.

"There were not really too many clear-cut chances. For England, that's the least we expect. We make the chances, like we did against the US. We didn't win the match, but we came out knowing we probably should have.

"We have to be confident. We spoke about it in the dressing room. We're going to stick together in the next few days.

"Everyone knows we'll do enough to get through.

"We play a very good team, so we have to put things right."

Barry and Defoe both revealed Capello's attempts to rally the troops after two poor performances left them needing to beat Slovenia to ensure they do not go home.

"He (Capello) is disappointed, but he knows everybody needs to stay calm in a situation like that," Barry added.

"We'll look at the video, and see what we didn't do right today. And hopefully put it right on Wednesday."

Defoe claims the squad remain confident: "The boss did say after the game 'just keep going'.

"He got our heads up, basically.

"He keeps telling us we're a great team and we'll win the next game."

Capello faced criticism from some quarters when it was revealed Robert Green only found out he was playing in England's opener against the United States two-hours prior to the match starting.

An error from Green gifted the USA its equaliser in Rustenburg, leading to the recall of James against Algeria last night.

And the Portsmouth goalkeeper revealed he too found out he was set for his World Cup debut shortly before the start.

He told BBC: "I found out five minutes before we got on the bus. Usual standard."

He added later: "It's nice to play and keep a clean sheet, defensively it was a decent performance.

"We train hard now for a few days and wait for the selection again five minutes before we leave again on Wednesday."

Asked whether he was close to his fellow goalkeepers, James said: "I'm not close to anyone."

England was poor last night and it was another disappointing performance following Saturday's draw against the USA.

However, James declined to agree with Capello's claim that pressure could have had an effect on the players.

He told BBC: "Does he (think that)? Okay."

The striker and his team-mates were booed from the pitch after last night's drab goalless draw with Algeria in Cape Town, which leaves the team with two points from two World Cup Group C games and needing to beat Slovenia to guarantee progression.

Defoe's team-mate Wayne Rooney reacted angrily to the supporters' reaction, saying to the television cameras as he left the pitch: "It's nice to see your home fans booing you."

Defoe, a second-half substitute, was more philosophical.

"I think it is part and parcel of playing at this level," he said.

"You can understand fans getting frustrated and obviously they have travelled miles to come and support the team. But I think it's important for the fans to stay behind us because the lads are devastated we didn't win tonight.

"We want to do it for everyone back home, for our families, the boys, the manager and everyone.

"It's not nice to get booed, to be honest, especially when you try your best and it's difficult out there."

Defoe believes England have the experience and pedigree to pull something out of the bag.

"Everyone is frustrated but we've got players who have been there and done it before, playing in major tournaments," he said.

"We're a great side so it's important to keep going. Wednesday is a different game, we'll go into it confident and go out there and win the game.

"I know people look at the fixture and think we should win the game quite comfortably but that's never the case."

The striker added: "It's difficult because at this level no game is easy, especially at the World Cup, and I thought Algeria played well to be honest. They made it difficult for us.

"When they lost the ball, they got back in their shape. I thought they were organised.

"We tried our best and had a little bit of bad luck with some opportunities, especially in the second half. I thought we were the better side. We put them under pressure when the game got stretched.

"With a little bit of luck we would have scored. But I think it's important for us to keep the spirit, and keep working hard in training, and on Wednesday we'll win."

And if that happens, the England manager did not rule out resigning just three weeks after signing a revised two-year contract.

After stumbling to a wretched goalless draw against Algeria, to follow their 1-1 draw with the United States, England need to beat Slovenia in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday if they are definitely to progress to the last 16.

When asked if he would go if they failed to do so Capello said: "It is too early to speak about this. We have to wait."

Yet Capello admitted his team had caved in to the pressure of the World Cup and were unrecognisable from the side who won nine out of 10 matches in qualifying.

He was also at a loss to explain the poor form of Wayne Rooney, who has not scored for his country in more than 11 hours of football.

When asked what was wrong with Rooney he said: "I don't know. Rooney didn't play like Rooney, but he is not the problem.

"It is the pressure of the World Cup. These players are training very well at a fast speed. But in these two games they were not the same.

"It is incredible the mistakes of the players, when they do not control the ball, the easy passes we missed. Everything. This is incredible for the level of the England players.

"It is the pressure. It is so big that the performance of the players is not as good as I know."

Capello admitted England were "lucky" to still have a chance of getting to the last 16 after the USA drew 2-2 against Slovenia. The two nations are locked together on two points in Group C.

"We have to be focused for the next game," he said. "We have a big chance to go through after the draw of the United States.

"I hope on Wednesday to see the England team. This is not the England that I know. It is not the players in training. When I started as England manager I saw the same things when we played at Wembley. I hope for the next game that we forget this performance and do not play with fear and without confidence."

Capello also dismissed the notion, posed by former England boss Graham Taylor, that there might be problems in the training camp.

Capello said: "This is incredible. I think we have the best training camp. We are training well together always. The problem is not the training camp. The problem is the players who were so good as a team are not so good as a team at this moment."

The manager, however, believes one big performance could reignite his squad.

He added: "I hope that after playing a big performance the minds of the players will be free and we can play like the England that I know."

The frustration of the English contingent at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town was made very clear at the final whistle of its woeful goalless draw with Algeria.

England striker Rooney trudged off following an ineffective performance before turning and saying to the television cameras: "It's nice to see your home fans booing you."

Having drawn 1-1 with the United States in its opening game, England now need to beat Slovenia next Wednesday to ensure it reaches the last 16.

Rooney's team-mate Gareth Barry, who started in midfield after returning to fitness, did not share Rooney's anger.

"The fans come from England, they travel far and they spend a lot of money," he said.

"They probably deserve better. We were below par today."

Peter Crouch, a late substitute as Fabio Capello attempted to find a breakthrough, urged fans to stick with the team.

"Obviously it's disappointing, we want fans to have something to go home and cheer about," he said. "They made an effort to come here and it's a shame we didn't have anything to show for them tonight.

"Hopefully they'll come to the next game to see us go through."

Crouch's Tottenham club-mate Jermain Defoe was also sent on in the second half and while he does not blame fans for their reaction, he insists their support can help turn things around.

He said: "It's important for the fans to keep behind us because that's only going to help the team, and hopefully we'll win on Wednesday."

After Robert Green's error against the United States on Saturday, Capello put David James in goal last night, giving the veteran keeper his first World Cup cap.

James was glad to have finally ended his long wait but unsurprisingly was disappointed by the outcome in a game during which he was rarely called into action.

He said: "Defensively we were very good and Algeria, likewise, defensively were very, very good so unfortunately for the spectators it turned out to be a pretty miserable 0-0."

James, who is at his third World Cup as a squad member before finally getting a game, said: "It's been a long time, three attempts to play my first game, so that was nice.

"But any initial feelings were quickly put aside and I focused on trying to win the game.

"The situation is the same, it's a 23-man squad, the manager needs to find arguably the best XI to win games and as I said before, I knew me having the number one on my back didn't guarantee me starting matches.

"It's nice to play and keep a clean sheet, defensively it was a decent performance.

"We train hard now for a few days and wait for the selection again five minutes before we leave on Wednesday."

Slovenia was 2-0 up at half-time against the US at Ellis Park and within reaching distance of a first appearance in the knockout phase of the World Cup finals. But an early second-half goal from US player Landon Donovan and one with eight minutes to go from team-mate Michael Bradley levelled the game.

Indeed, the Americans felt hard done by not to have won, with Maurice Edu's goal ruled out late on for a mystery foul.

Slovenia must regroup after a thrilling and draining contest to take on England, who will need to win the game in Port Elizabeth to be sure of reaching the last 16 after a goalless draw with Algeria last night.

Kek said: "I am really proud of my squad but yes, there is some aftertaste of expectations not having been met.

"We were ahead of the US and we didn't overcome this pressure. There is pride and enthusiasm and maybe just a bit of disillusionment. This is a match we will learn from.

"We are not considering our match against England at this point, my priority is to have my squad recovered, they have expended a lot of energy. We need to recover and then we will talk about England. It's very clear what we will be up against."

US coach Bob Bradley had his theory as to why Malian official Koman Coulibaly had ruled out the third American goal, but was given no actual explanation by the man who made the decision.

"On the set-piece most of what took place was Slovenia players holding our players," he said.

"A Slovenia player had his arms round Michael (Bradley, the coach's son), Michael tried to break clear and the foul was called. There might have been three fouls in the box, all of which were by Slovenia players."

The European side took a 13th-minute lead through Valter Birsa and added a second before the break as Milivoje Novakovic played in strike partner Zlatan Ljubijankic, who finished calmly.

However, just as they had against England, the Americans found a way back into the match and Bradley praised the spirit of his side.

"This team has shown that it keeps fighting to the end, we have now had experience of pushing games when we're behind, and that's a credit to the mentality of the players," he said.

"There was one moment where it seemed one point gained, then it seemed like two lost. We knew going into the game we would give ourselves a good chance to go through with a win. But it was still a situation where we couldn't lose. A tie keeps us alive."

The royal duo had been in to chat with the England players immediately after the 0-0 draw with Algeria that has left England's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

But they had left by the time an angry supporter burst in to express his displeasure at the performance of Fabio Capello's side, who were booed off at the final whistle.

The fan stomed into the England dressing room, where a number of players and backroom staff, including David Beckham, were present and angrily made his feelings known before eventually being hustled out by England's own security staff.

Having brought their own security people with them to South Africa, the incident was particularly worrying because both FA president Prince William and his brother, who both attended the match following a visit to an orphanage in Lesotho, had been present in the dressing room - although thankfully both had left before the security breach.

And the FA are in no doubt where the responsibility lay.

"A fan got in past FIFA security," said an FA spokesman.

"We have formally complained to FIFA after the game and will follow it up in writing.

"This is not acceptable and thankfully no serious harm was done."

With in excess of 25,000 supporters travelling to witness the team's dismal performances so far, the FA will want to ensure security is watertight when England head to Port Elizabeth for Wednesday's do-or-die encounter with Slovenia.

If England win, they will book a place in the last 16. Anything less and the Three Lions will almost certainly be booking an early flight home, which is bound to lead to more frustration and calls for manager Fabio Capello to resign.

The England manager claimed his side, which was booed off at the end at the Green Point Stadium, was unrecognisable from the team which had won nine out of 10 matches in qualifying.

And he did not rule out resigning if England did not make it through to the last 16.

When asked if he would go if England did not get the win it needs to definitely progress from Group C against Slovenia next week, he said: "It is too early to speak about this. We have to wait."

Capello, however, did give an honest appraisal of one of England's worst-ever World Cup performances, in which Wayne Rooney, who has not scored for his country in more than 11 hours of football, was frustrated and out of sorts.

Capello, who saw his side draw 1-1 with the United States in its first match, said: "We did not play a good game. We missed a lot of balls when we had to control. We missed a lot of passes and when we arrived at the box we tended to shoot at the goalkeeper. We missed everything. In this game I did not see the spirit of the team."

When asked what was wrong with Rooney specifically he said: "I don't know. I don't like to speak about the performance of one player. I prefer to speak about the performance of the team. Rooney didn't play like Rooney, but he is not the problem.

"It is the pressure of the World Cup. These players are training very well at a fast speed. But these two games they were not the same."

Capello also admitted England was "lucky" to still have a chance of getting to the last 16 after the USA drew 2-2 against Slovenia.

"We have to be focused for the next game," he said. "We have a big chance to go through after the draw of the United States.

"I hope on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST) to see the England team. This is not the England that I know. It is not the players in training. When I started as England manager I saw the same things when we played at Wembley. I hope for the next game that we forget this performance and forget to play with fear and without confidence.

"It is incredible the mistakes of the players, when they do not control the ball, the easy passes we missed. Everything. This is incredible for the level of the England players.

"It is the pressure. It is so big that the performance of the players is not as good as I know."

Capello also dismissed the notion, posed by former England boss Graham Taylor, that there might be problems in the training camp.

Capello said: "This is incredible. I think we have the best training camp. We are training well together always. The problem is not the training camp. The problem is the players who were so good as a team are not so good as a team at this moment."

The manager, who turned 64 today, is hoping one big performance could yet reignite his squad.

He added: "I hope that after playing a big performance the minds of the players will be free and we can play like the England that I know. This is very important."

But while Rooney claimed the fans should not have booed the team as he left the field, Capello backed the supporters.

He said: "I think always the fans can decide to do what they prefer. I respect the fans. They always follow us. They always help us. I did not hear the boos because of the vuvuzelas. I don't know if it is a vuvuzela or a boo."

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane also claimed England played below its potential.

He said: "I was expecting better, I don't know what happened. The England team was not up to its level today. They played better against the USA. It is up to the coach to draw the necessary conclusions as toward the England team.

"We caused them problems with our short passes and style of play. I don't think England was up to its full strength as a team today.

"We countered what they did well. We played extremely effectively and we could have won. England could have won. We both had opportunities.

"I said we would improve and that is happening. We are growing in confidence and that is important."

England was booed off following its 0-0 draw with Algeria at the Green Point Stadium that leaves its World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

And one supporter was so angry he took direct action and evaded security to remonstrate with the former skipper, who has been a constant presence since England's arrival in South Africa.

The England striker trudged off following an ineffective performance before turning and saying to the ITV cameras: "It's nice to see your own fans booing you."

The result means England needs to beat Slovenia in its final match to ensure it qualifies for the second round.

Fabio Capello's team can book a place in the knockout stages with victory over Slovenia on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST) - but the poor performance against Algeria means confidence is not high.

Rooney said as he left the pitch following a disappointing display: "Nice to see your own fans booing you."

And Keegan said: "There are plusses but you've got to search hard for them.

"Wayne Rooney has been the main reason we have qualified but whether he's mentally not fit or physically I don't know - but we've got to get him right.

"At this level you need to be at your best but he's 10-15% below it. We know it and he knows it and we saw that frustration at the end.

"The players can't be seen to be saying 'I can't handle this, it's too much for me' - they are on the big stage.

"But they've still got it in their own hands, even though they've been poor in both games."

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, a fellow pundit on ITV with Keegan, added: "Something was missing (from Rooney).

"It looked as if there was pain with the ankle he was struggling with a few months ago."

And former England defender Gareth Southgate added: "He's frustrated and doesn't seem to be able to do what he wants to do.

"It's Capello's role to get the best out of them but once you step over the white line you've got to be big enough to handle the responsibility.

"They look haunted at the moment wearing the shirt.

"The game against Slovenia will be no easier than tonight's - probably harder.

"It's impossible not to give them stick, even though we are trying to be positive."

The England striker trudged off following an ineffective performance before turning and saying to the ITV cameras: "It's nice to see your own fans booing you."

The result means England needs to beat Slovenia in its final match to ensure it qualifies for the second round.

Although it exerted some late pressure, if Capello's men had denied Algeria a point it would have been a massive injustice on a night when Franz Beckenbauer's assessment of England being a "kick and rush" team was proved to be false. England wasn't as good as that.

The maths are now quite simple. Beat Slovenia - when it will be without the suspended Jamie Carragher - in Port Elizabeth and England has scrambled its way into the last 16. Fail and in all probability England will go home.

And, after the evidence of their 180 minutes so far since its arrival in South Africa, that is exactly what it will deserve.

Capello said in the lead-up to the game he has not made any mistakes.

After watching his team hardly threaten the Algerian goal, if he still feels that way, his bunch of players truly are woeful.

Because all the altitude training, and all the preparations at its Rustenburg hideaway have delivered a paucity of performance that is almost too bad to be believed.

Having told the world he would not confirm the identity of his chosen goalkeeper until two hours before kick-off, it transpired Capello's mind had been made up by the final training session last night.

A couple of mistakes from Rob Green were enough to convince Capello the West Ham man could not be trusted, so David James was in for his first competitive start in 15 months.

Really though it was supposed to be a watching brief for the man who stood between the sticks. Against a side ranked 30th in the world, and from a continent that has never beaten England, in front of Prince William, the Three Lions were supposed to deliver a performance fit for a king.

How wrong that assumption was.

England's lack of guile was embarrassing at times.

It took Capello's men until three minutes before the break to retain possession for any decent period.

Every time it got hold of the ball, it seemed England were in a rush to get rid of it, or at least try to force something to happen, which ultimately amounted to the same thing.

Wayne Rooney did not appear fit. He certainly endured a frustrating time of it.

Penalised after two muscular tangles, England's talisman eventually managed a shot when the opening period was in its death throes. Like so many England efforts, it was struck from the edge of the area and posed little threat.

The best chance fell Frank Lampard's way after Aaron Lennon's cross had been half-cleared by Rafik Halliche but it was saved.

For the first hour Algeria was the more inventive side. Its players were quicker, slicker, possessed greater imagination and incisive movement. In short, Algeria was superior in all the technical aspects of the game. Only in those staples of the Premier League, strength and power, were the north Africans lacking.

On the bench, David Beckham could only wonder what might have been. Who knows where Paul Scholes is but the Manchester United midfielder must feel he made the right decision in rejecting Capello's call.

After waiting so long for Gareth Barry to recover from his ankle injury, the England boss watched his preferred holding midfielder lose the ball to Karim Matmour.

Possession was quickly transferred upfield and after cutting inside Glen Johnson, Karim Ziani drilled his shot into the side-netting rather than test James fully with the controversial Jabulani ball Capello hates so much.

The Italian could not have been happy. The England supporters certainly weren't. And the second half did not start any better.

Steven Gerrard and Lampard both wasted possession after finding themselves in decent positions, while at the other end Carragher stuck out an arm to deny Hassan Yebda a chance to race into the box and was booked.

The yellow card had additional significance and means Capello must either turn to Matthew Upson for next Wednesday's (Thursday morning AEST) encounter with unbeaten Slovenia, having relegated the West Ham man to fifth choice centre-half, including Rio Ferdinand, or hand Michael Dawson his debut.

That clash was quickly taking on the status of must-win.

Finally England's fitness was allowing them to dictate the game. Yet old failings remain and the introduction of additional pace in the form of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe could not rectify them.

After 83 minutes of fruitless toil, Capello turned to Peter Crouch. Back to the long ball.

Even that did not work.

The Americans had fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to 2-2 when Donovan put a free-kick into the box and amid a tangle of bodies Maurice Edu applied the finish which looked to have completed an incredible turnaround.

But Malian referee Koman Coulibaly ruled it out and did not give any reason to the mystified American players as they surrounded him at the time and again at the final whistle, with the match ending 2-2 to leave the group wide open.

Los Angeles Galaxy star Donovan said: "I'm assuming it was a foul somewhere, it couldn't have been offside. We asked many times who the foul was by but he wouldn't or couldn't explain it. I don't know what to think of the call, I didn't see a foul.

"To be honest I'm not sure how much English he speaks but when we asked in a non-confrontational manner why he had given the foul, he just ignored us."

Bradley was not given a satisfactory explanation either and felt if any infringement had been committed, it was by the defending Slovenians.

"In the midst of a game and everything that's going on it's rare that when a tough call is made that the referee will give you an answer.

"Sometimes, after the fact, you get an answer, and sometimes that's not the case either. Sometimes you are frustrated because you feel that situations have not been handled 100% correctly or fairly, but that's the way the game works and you move on."

Slovenia looked on course to secure a last 16 berth thanks to goals from Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic in the first 45 minutes but a Landon Donovan goal early in the second period gave USA belief.

USA refused to give up on the game and Michael Bradley, son of coach Bob, grabbed the leveller in the 82nd minute after racing into the box to turn in a Jozy Altidore nod-down and the Americans had a further goal from Maurice Edu disallowed, apparently for some shirt-pulling in the box.

It leaves all to play for in Group C going into the final round of matches.

There was a very early stoppage when Clint Dempsey caught Ljubijankic with an elbow to the head as the pair challenged for a high ball near the halfway line. The Gent striker was fine to continue and Malian referee Koman Coulibaly opted to take no action against Dempsey.

Birsa created the first chance with a whipped cross from the right which Milivoje Novakovic failed to connect with on the volley, but the classy Slovenia number 10 took charge himself after 12 minutes.

He was allowed to turn and take stock before curling a shot past the helpless Tim Howard from 25 yards, with no American defender going to close him down.

Francisco Torres tested Handanovic with a left-foot free-kick from a wide angle, with the Udinese goalkeeper probably expecting a ball into the box rather than a cross.

It lifted the US, who had Robbie Findley booked for a handball in the Slovenia box which ruled him out of the final group match against Algeria, and Slovenia full-back Miso Brecko had to get a vital touch to deny Donovan a far-post tap-in after a flowing move involving Altidore, Findley and Dempsey.

But in a flash Bob Bradley's men were 2-0 down as Novakovic slotted a pass through to strike partner Ljubijankic, who beat the offside trap and calmly rolled a right-foot shot under Howard.

The US coach responded by bringing on Rangers midfielder Edu for Torres and Benny Feilhaber for Findley at the start of the second half.

Within three minutes of the restart the Americans had halved the deficit when right-back Steve Cherundolo's ball down the flank evaded Bostjan Cesar and Los Angeles Galaxy star Donovan raced into the box at an angle before drilling the ball hard and high past Handanovic at his near post.

Marko Suler then injured himself as he climbed over Altidore and from the resultant free-kick Dempsey's glancing header from Donovan's inswinging ball was just wide.

Howard then had to claw away a Birsa free-kick as Suler threatened to head it home and Suler was then involved at the other end to tackle Altidore after the former Hull loanee looked set to get clear of him just before the hour mark.

The game was now evenly poised and after Suler manhandled Altidore once too often for the referee's liking and was booked, the burly striker fired a shot straight at Handanovic. Andraz Kirm joined Suler in the book for going in late on Cherundolo and so too did Bojan Jokic for a clumsy foul on Donovan.

Bradley's final change was to bring on forward Herculez Gomez for defender Oguchi Onyewu as the US pressed for the leveller - and it was the coach's son who got it.

Altidore climbed high to nod down a long ball into the box and Bradley junior sprinted into the box to fire past Handanovic and send the majority of the Ellis Park crowd into hysterics with eight minutes to go.

The United States thought it had a winner when Edu turned in Donovan's free-kick but the referee disallowed it, apparently seeing a tug in the box although both sides appeared equally guilty of that.

Slovenia pushed forward for the glory goal and Aleksandar Radosavljevic forced an excellent parry from Howard from 25 yards as time ticked away.

Capello stated he would not inform the players of his final decision until two hours before the game, a policy to which he has rigidly stuck throughout his managerial career.

Robert Green started against the United States on last weekend but his mistake gifted the Americans an equaliser in the 1-1 draw and Capello kept his options open during yesterday evening's final training session.

In a small-sided game across half of the pitch, Green kept goal throughout, strengthening the belief of those who thought the 30-year-old was going to retain his place.

But James, who alternated with Joe Hart, kept goal behind first choice central defensive duo John Terry and Jamie Carragher, which gave a heavy hint the other way.

Having used the much-debated Jabulani ball to excuse Green's error against the USA, it seemed Capello was ready to stand by the West Ham keeper who also made a couple of mistakes in training on Friday morning (AEST).

"When I chose Green last week he was in good form," said Capello in Thursday's press conference.

"He played very well in the first half of the friendly against Mexico. And even last week, the outcome was good for the team because usually you would lose the game after a mistake like that.

"But I have to choose the value of different players, not just think about their mistakes. I have to justify selecting the keeper I choose."

If James does get the call, it would represent a remarkable about turn.

The Portsmouth keeper started the first 13 matches of Capello's reign before succumbing to numerous injury problems.

Since naming his 30-man provisional squad, Capello has largely ignored James though.

The veteran was given half a match in the victory over Japan at the end of last month but, other than the injured Gareth Barry, was the only player not to play any part in the pre-tournament practice match against the Platinum Stars.

Although it looks as though James can expect good news, there will be no official confirmation until an hour before the ame with the player himself not due to be told until 60 minutes earlier after Capello has one final check on Green's mental state.

"In my first year in management, I would tell the players if they were playing on the day before," recalled Capello, who celebrates his 64th birthday today.

"I would speak with them after dinner. But three times someone got injured and then it was difficult to get the other player ready to play. So I stopped. I have not done it since."

The failure of Fabio Capello's side to win their World Cup opener against the United States was seen as a major disappointment but Cole insists England have no divine right to win such matches.

Capello's men drew 1-1 with Bob Bradley's team in Rustenburg after Robert Green's error gifted the States an equaliser. The Italian coach was also criticised for his team selection in some quarters but ahead of England's second group game against Algeria, Cole attempted to deliver a reality check.

"People get so wrapped up in tactics," he said. "We are what we are. We're not going to go out there and smash teams five or six-nil.

"You have to take your hats off to the USA but being English, we never give the other team any credit. We just talk about how indifferent the England team is.

"In England all we do is talk about the negatives."

Cole, an ambassador for England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, added: "I don't think I'd do anything differently (against Algeria). If England had ended up winning the game 1-0, would everyone be making these moans and groans? If England had lost the game everyone would be disappointed but we got a draw from the game.

"That's our ignorance again, as the English, believing that because it's the United States we can go and beat them three or four-nil and typically it will be the same against Algeria.

"It's going to be a tougher game than that, Algeria are one of the best African teams."

A knee injury suffered in the build-up to the tournament left Ferdinand a frustrated observer as England could only draw its opening Group C game with the United States.

But the Manchester United star, who was due to skipper the Three Lions at the World Cup, remains fully behind Fabio Capello's side and believes they have nothing to fear.

"We still have a great chance of winning the World Cup," Ferdinand told The Sun.

"No team can claim to be the outright favourites. There is no one who scares us. I'm sure we'll beat Algeria.

"I've played with these players for years and know how good they are.

"Everyone is into the tournament and we can maybe relax and play the way we know we can."

Argentina's 4-1 win over South Korea on Thursday and Germany's 4-0 win over Australia in their Group D clash have arguably been the two stand-out performances of the World Cup to date, while Switzerland's 1-0 win over Spain was certainly the biggest shock.

But Ferdinand insists he has seen nothing in the first week of the tournament to suggest England are incapable of going all the way to the final.

"A lot of teams come to a World Cup with an aura about them and, while the Germans and Argentines have each had good wins, I don't think you could say with conviction any team has stood head and shoulders above the others in the first round of games," he continued.

"And, of course, one of the favourites Spain has lost to Switzerland. So I think the competition is wide open."

The USA face the Alpine nation at Ellis Park knowing a win for Slovenia and for England against Algeria in Cape Town would leave qualification for the knockout phase out of their hands.

Former Fulham defender Bocanegra was familiar with many of England's star names from his stint in the Barclays Premier League but the man who is now with French club Rennes does not doubt the quality in the Slovenia line-up.

Bocanegra said: "We have some personal experience against these guys. A few play in Germany, a few in France, just because they're not in the Premier League we're still familiar with these guys. We are not going to take them lightly just because some people might not know the names as well."

USA coach Bob Bradley said his squad were all in good shape for the Group C encounter, with goalkeeper Tim Howard now recovered from the rib injury he suffered in a collision with England forward Emile Heskey on Saturday. Three USA players - Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit and Robbie Findley - are a yellow card away from a suspension.

For Slovenia, coach Matjaz Kek is well aware his team are in a position to secure a place in the knockout phase after their opening win over Algeria in Polokwane and praised how far they had come in a year.

"A year ago we were making preparations for playing San Marino, today we are thinking about the knockout stage in our second match," he said.

"A great step has been taken and our squad has achieved a great evolution. This is not the most important match in our history but it is important and it can establish Slovenia on the global map of football.

"I know we have the smallest population of all the teams in the World Cup but we have not come here to rest, we are active participants in this World Cup. A year back things were completely different."

Aleksandar Radosavljevic and Andrej Komac are one yellow card away from being suspended for the final group match against England. Inter Milan midfielder Rene Krhin has an ankle knock and defender Marko Suler, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, has what Kek described as "a light difficulty" but he expects both to be available for selection against the US.

England coach Fabio Capello has admitted he is weighing up whether to partner Wayne Rooney with either Emile Heskey or Defoe in Cape Town.

Heskey started alongside the Manchester United star in the opening 1-1 draw with the United States last weekend.

He set up an early goal for skipper Steven Gerrard but was guilty of failing to convert a gilt-edged chance in the second period.

Defoe offers a different option to Heskey with his pace and has a far superior scoring record for his country.

He has netted 11 goals in 40 internationals compared to only seven in 58 appearances from Heskey.

Defoe has also enjoyed an excellent season at Tottenham and played a major role in helping them secure a Champions League spot.

In contrast, Heskey has had to be content with a bit-part role at Aston Villa behind Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew.

Defoe has started only one competitive game under Capello - against Andorra nearly two years ago - but he told FATV: "I'm ready. In training I feel sharp and I'm ready, definitely."

Capello has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian but Defoe is adamant the Italian has got the right balance with the players.

He said: "Obviously the manager is extremely disciplined but the manager is also cool and he's got good banter.

"He joins in and is always laughing and stuff. But when we're training, we've got to do it right."

Defoe's sentiments are echoed by winger Shaun Wright-Phillips who said: "There's loads of banter, especially around the dinner table when we're chilling and socialising."

The Manchester City winger admits he was surprised to be so heavily involved against the USA, replacing out-of-sorts James Milner after only half an hour on the left flank.

He said: "It was a very good surprise, I couldn't have wanted any more than that.

"It was a step getting here and then another giant step to actually get on the pitch and play for the country in such a big tournament."

Gerrard is relishing linking up again with Rooney against Algeria in Cape Town on Saturday morning with the return of Gareth Barry meaning the Liverpool player will have more licence to roam forward.

But he is aware Rooney has to start finding the net for his country after netting just once in eight internationals during the past 12 months.

Gerrard said: "Wayne needs a goal, of course. I said all the way through qualifying that, if we got to the World Cup, we'd need Wayne to be our top goalscorer.

"We need him to score the goals to take us to the later stages of the tournament because he's our main player.

"I think the plan is for me to get closer to Wayne and we've had a fantastic understanding in qualification. I like playing with good players - and I enjoy playing with Wayne.

"I'll certainly be looking to link up well with him. Hopefully I can provide a goal for him to get off the mark."

Gerrard admits it is time for England to improve on its performance in the 1-1 draw with the United States and show their qualities.

He said: "I think we have to push on now. We wanted three points from the first game and were disappointed to get just one.

"The dangerous thing now is to underestimate Algeria and think it's an automatic three points, which it's not going to be.

"We've prepared really well for this game, the lads have been really sharp in training, and I feel we're ready to put in a sharp performance.

"The idea is to put on a good performance as soon as we can. We didn't manage that against the USA and we never clicked for the whole 90 minutes.

"Hopefully that will happen against Algeria and then everyone will be a lot more positive after the game."

Gerrard impressed against the USA in scoring England's goal, despite his more withdrawn role, but is looking to sustain that form.

He said: "It's always important when you go into a big tournament to put in a big performance first of all and to get a goal is an extra bonus.

"It helps you to settle and takes some of the pressure off so it was an encouraging start to the tournament but I need to continue that now to the end."

Once again Capello does not intend to tell his players which of them have been selected for the second Group C game until a couple of hours before kick-off.

That means Green will not find out whether he is going to keep his place despite the calamitous error that cost England victory against the United States last weekend, or lose it to David James, who was heavily backed to make a return on Thursday.

But Capello insists when he does make the call, it will not be done on the basis of a single incident.

"When I chose Green last week he was in good form," said Capello.

"He played very well in the first half of the friendly against Mexico. And even last week, the outcome was good for the team because usually you would lose the game after a mistake like that.

"But I have to choose the value of different players, not just think about their mistakes. I have to justify selecting the keeper I choose."

Again it leaves Capello open to the claim he is causing unnecessary doubt by delaying his announcement.

The Italian robustly defended his decision though, insisting his early days in management taught him not to make major calls too quickly.

"In my first year in management, I would tell the players if they were playing on the day before," recalled Capello, who celebrates his 64th birthday today.

"I would speak with them after dinner. But three times someone got injured and then it was difficult to get the other player ready to play. So I stopped. I have not done it since."

There were contradictory clues in Thursday night's final training session as Green did more work in the team section, but James and Joe Hart kept goal behind John Terry and Jamie Carragher, who seem certain to start in central defence.

More certainty can be attached to the likelihood of Emile Heskey partnering Wayne Rooney in attack for a game England should win, but Capello will take nothing for granted.

"I respect Algeria," said the England boss.

"They have scored a lot from counter-attacks and set-pieces and I have learned a lot about them.

"It would be a big mistake to think this game will be easy."

Goalkeeper Green's blunder gifted the United States an equaliser in last weekend's 1-1 draw in Rustenburg.

He has been the topic of constant speculation this week as to whether he will be given another chance by Capello or whether he will be replaced by Joe Hart or David James.

But Capello will not break with his tradition of informing his players whether they are playing until shortly before they board the team bus for a game.

He said: "I have decided but we have to wait until tomorrow. I haven't told the goalkeeper who is playing.

"As always, they will find out on the the day of the game - never the day before.

"I think when I chose Green it was a good moment for him, after the game he played against Mexico. He played very well in that first half.

"But I think one problem of the keepers, and I saw some keepers make mistakes, is a problem with the ball.

"Sometimes the bounce is higher than normal. For this reason, I have to justify the keeper.

"I think all the players make mistakes - the forwards, the keeper, the defence. But I have to choose the value of different players and it's not about their mistakes."

The other area in which Capello admitted yesterday he was considering a change was upfront, with Emile Heskey and Jermain Defoe vying to partner Wayne Rooney.

Capello is pleased with the form of Heskey but may opt for a different style against Algeria which could lead to Defoe being called up.

He said: "I think Heskey and Rooney played very well but I can change the style of the forward.

"I think Heskey is a very important player in terms of movement at this moment but Defoe is also important, like the other players. I have to choose."

Capello believes there was not too much wrong to concern himself with in terms of the performance against USA.

He said: "I was happy after the game against the USA for everything I saw during the game. Only the result I was not happy about. Only this.

"But for all the teams who played the first game, it was not easy. The pressure of the first game is higher than in other games.

"We didn't score the goals. We created a lot of chances. I want to see no mistakes, only this, because I think that when you create so many chances it's possible the team will score them this time."

Capello is adamant he will not underestimate Algeria as England looks to move closer to the last 16 by securing three points.

He said: "I respect the team. They score a lot from counter-attacks and set-pieces.

"I've learned a lot in this period and seen all the games in the World Cup and no games are easy.

"It will be a big mistake to think this game would be easy."

But the full recovery of Barry from the ankle injury which threatened his participation in the tournament has cleared the way for the Liverpool star to venture further up the pitch.

And the 30-year-old believes the return of Barry will strengthen England for the meeting with the Algerians in Cape Town.

Gerrard said: "It is great to have Gareth back. He is a terrific passer of the ball, he is so calm in possession.

"He gives protection to the two centre-halves if they need it and he has been fantastic for England during the past two years.

"His return to the side really strengthens the starting X1."

Barry played a key part in England qualifying for the finals with nine wins in 10 matches in giving Frank Lampard and Gerrard licence to go forward.

He suffered his injury in early May when on duty for Manchester City against Tottenham but his availability will enable Gerrard to switch to the position he enjoys the most.

Gerrard said: "It is not for me to prejudge what the manager is going to do and I will do whatever job the manager asks me to do to the best of my ability.

"But, if I am able to play in a more attacking role, then it suits me and I will look forward to that."

Gerrard also believes it will only be a matter of time before Wayne Rooney starts delivering the goal-power and form that made him one of the best players in the world during the past season.

Rooney has netted 25 goals for his country in 61 internationals but only one in eight internationals during the past 12 months in contrast to his form for Manchester United.

Gerrard said: "Wayne has looked great in training and it is only a matter of time before he finds the back of the net and everyone says he is on great form again.

"During the past season, he has been one of the best players in the world - and it is only a matter of time before he is back to that form."

Gerrard is optimistic England will improve on its performance against the USA as it looks to register its first win in the tournament.

He said: "We were pleased with the majority of the performance but in the first game there is a lot of tension and pressure.

"Hopefully in this game you will see a more fluent performance from England. We have looked sharp in training and everyone is looking for a convincing win tomorrow."

Gerrard is no big fan of the World Cup ball and has sympathy for the keepers in dealing with its unpredictability.

He said: "It is not so bad for the midfielders and the strikers but when you play it off the floor it is unpredictable.

"It is an advantage when shooting because keepers don't know what is coming but it is something you have to try and deal with and is the same for all sides."

England enjoyed a clean bill of health during its final training session before the game with all 22 available players put through their paces.

Ledley King was the only absentee as he continues his rehabilitation work after suffering a groin injury against the USA last weekend.

The Americans were 2-0 up against Brazil at half-time in the final of the Confederations Cup at the Johannesburg stadium on June 28, 2009 only to lose the match 3-2.

Friday (Saturday morning AEST) a win for Slovenia and for England against Algeria would leave qualification for the knockout phase out of the hands of Bradley's team.

The USA boss accepts it is a big game but believes his team has plenty of experience of such high-pressure encounters, some won and some lost.

"Along the way there are finals and matches where the pressure is on," he said.

"We've had good experiences as a group, we've learned from both sides.

"We've learned from moments where we've stuck together and pulled out important wins and we've learned from days where we've let the game get away from us, I mentioned earlier the final last June."

Bradley insists he and his backroom team have done just as much homework on the Slovenians as they did on their more illustrious first group opponents England.

"Slovenia is a very good team, their coach Matjaz Kek has done an excellent job," he said.

"They are very well organised tactically, they are very smart and their defensive record in qualifying was outstanding.

"There is a good balance in the team and they have good mobility.

"We have watched their players a lot and have great respect for them.

"We prepare the same way for every match, we work on the little things we think are important and leave other things on the outside.

"Every time you prepare you have a sense of the most important players and the things they do as a group.

"The England names might be bigger names but any team coached by Fabio Capello is going to be a strong unit.

"For Slovenia, Robert Koren, as a captain and midfielder, is a player who is the engine of team. (Striker Milivoje) Novakovic has a good touch and brings other players into the game and Valter Birsa has a great left foot. You pay attention to the details."

Bradley said the squad were all in good shape, with goalkeeper Tim Howard now recovered from the rib injury he suffered in a collision with England forward Emile Heskey on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST).

Three USA players - Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit and Robbie Findley - are a yellow card away from a suspension.

Bradley was pleased to hear his side being credited by Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld after the Swiss beat Spain on Wednesday (Thursday morning AEST).

The USA was the last side to beat the European champion when it ended a 35-match unbeaten run in the Confederations Cup last northern summer.

Bradley added: "Switzerland played a very good game because Spain is a great team. Hitzfeld is a great coach so if he paid our team a compliment, that's certainly a nice thing."

Ferdinand arrived home on Monday for an assessment on his knee injury at United's Carrington training complex.

United released a pointed statement on Thursday afternoon saying Ferdinand had been advised to spend a fortnight on holiday with his family before coming back to Manchester for more rehabilitation work on the injury he suffered on the first full day of training in South Africa following a freak collision with Emile Heskey.

The clear inference was he would not be heading back to the Three Lions camp in Rustenburg as the 31-year-old had hoped.

However, on his Twitter site, responding to a direct question about whether he would be back in South Africa, Ferdinand contradicted his club's stance.

"did u (sic) love being in south africa and will u (sic) come back?" was the question.

"Loved it (bar the injury moment) and yeah, am aiming to go back and support the lads!" came the response from Ferdinand.

As the centre-half's precise movements are not known at this stage, it remains to be seen whether Ferdinand is intent on another long-haul flight - and a reunion with brother Anton - who has been in nearby Sun City this week.

However, if he sticks rigidly to the timetable United has laid down Ferdinand will be due at Carrington in a fortnight, which would mean him being back before the quarter-finals.

"Rio has been assessed by club medical staff at Carrington this week and is making good early progress from his knee injury," read the short statement released by United.

"Medical staff have advised a two-week recuperation period with his family before returning to Carrington to complete the rehabilitation process."