Menu
23/06/2010
Defoe Saves England's Campaign
After days of turmoil within the England camp, Capello's slightly improved squad have scraped a victory against Slovenia and managed to qualify to the World Cup quarterfinals, writes Damien Whinnery.
The first half saw a shaky Slovenia crumbling under England pressure.
Right-winger Milner managed to overcome early nerves at the start of game to put in two whipping crosses, the second of which was targeted perfectly into the six-yard box finding Jermain Defoe (pictured) who struck it home off his shin in the 23rd minute.
The appearance of the in-form Defoe had been in some doubt with Peter Crouch and Emanuel Heskey being favoured in recent games.
The ensuing period of the first half saw England come close again with Milner continuing to cause problems along the right wing with his speed and accurate passing, while England's great hope Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerard occasionally combined for brief glimpses at what the pair were expected to give the previously struggling England squad.
Rooney, looked particularly ordinary throughout the crucial game, with some speculation he might be taken off during the second half in favour of the 6'8" Peter Crouch, whose goal scoring record led the team in the run up to the African Championships.
As half time approached, Slovenia's Kirm swung a long free kick into the England box from the left before being punched gingerly into the air by James under pressure from striker Ljunijankic, but an offside ruling allowed England to hold on to their slim lead at the half.
After opening the second half with a quick tempo and determined gait, England again had the best of the play but failed to capitalise on several opportunities to go two goals ahead.
Another dangerous Milner cross from the right, forced Slovenian defender Suler into a diving defensive header, conceding a corner on the right. The set piece saw Terry meeting the ball at the far post, who smashed an effort goalwards from a tight angle, which was saved by goalkeeper Handanovic.
The last ten minutes were a worrying affair as some nerves began to fray, with Slovenia having several opportunities to steal an equalizer, winning their group and putting England out of the competition.
In the last five minutes, Emanuel Heskey was brought on just before a corner was awarded against England giving last minute scares around the stadium.
As the final whistle went up with the score still at 1 – 0, news hit the stadium that USA had scored a shock winner in the 90th minute putting Slovenia out of the competition much to the distress of the defeated players.
England are now expected to face their old rivals Germany in the next round depending on tomorrow's results.
(DW/BMcC)
The first half saw a shaky Slovenia crumbling under England pressure.
Right-winger Milner managed to overcome early nerves at the start of game to put in two whipping crosses, the second of which was targeted perfectly into the six-yard box finding Jermain Defoe (pictured) who struck it home off his shin in the 23rd minute.
The appearance of the in-form Defoe had been in some doubt with Peter Crouch and Emanuel Heskey being favoured in recent games.
The ensuing period of the first half saw England come close again with Milner continuing to cause problems along the right wing with his speed and accurate passing, while England's great hope Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerard occasionally combined for brief glimpses at what the pair were expected to give the previously struggling England squad.
Rooney, looked particularly ordinary throughout the crucial game, with some speculation he might be taken off during the second half in favour of the 6'8" Peter Crouch, whose goal scoring record led the team in the run up to the African Championships.
As half time approached, Slovenia's Kirm swung a long free kick into the England box from the left before being punched gingerly into the air by James under pressure from striker Ljunijankic, but an offside ruling allowed England to hold on to their slim lead at the half.
After opening the second half with a quick tempo and determined gait, England again had the best of the play but failed to capitalise on several opportunities to go two goals ahead.
Another dangerous Milner cross from the right, forced Slovenian defender Suler into a diving defensive header, conceding a corner on the right. The set piece saw Terry meeting the ball at the far post, who smashed an effort goalwards from a tight angle, which was saved by goalkeeper Handanovic.
The last ten minutes were a worrying affair as some nerves began to fray, with Slovenia having several opportunities to steal an equalizer, winning their group and putting England out of the competition.
In the last five minutes, Emanuel Heskey was brought on just before a corner was awarded against England giving last minute scares around the stadium.
As the final whistle went up with the score still at 1 – 0, news hit the stadium that USA had scored a shock winner in the 90th minute putting Slovenia out of the competition much to the distress of the defeated players.
England are now expected to face their old rivals Germany in the next round depending on tomorrow's results.
(DW/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 June 2004
Rooney brace lifts English spirits
England go into next Monday's final Group B clash with Croatia knowing a draw will be enough to take them into the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 following Thursday's 3-0 win over Switzerland. A Wayne Rooney brace on either side of half time and a second-half Steven Gerrard strike gave England a comfortable victory over the Swiss.
Rooney brace lifts English spirits
England go into next Monday's final Group B clash with Croatia knowing a draw will be enough to take them into the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 following Thursday's 3-0 win over Switzerland. A Wayne Rooney brace on either side of half time and a second-half Steven Gerrard strike gave England a comfortable victory over the Swiss.
25 June 2004
Unlucky England crash out of Euro quarterfinals
World Cup '90, Euro '96, World Cup '98, now Euro 2004 – unlucky England endured the pain of their penalty hex again last night as they crashed out of the European championships.
Unlucky England crash out of Euro quarterfinals
World Cup '90, Euro '96, World Cup '98, now Euro 2004 – unlucky England endured the pain of their penalty hex again last night as they crashed out of the European championships.
01 September 2015
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
12 November 2014
Dentist's Patients To Be Tested For Blood-Borne Infections
More than 20,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be tested for blood-borne viruses. According to reports, the dentist has been suspended over a suspected breach of infection control standards. The BBC has reported that surveillance cameras were installed in the dentist's practice after a whistleblower raised concerns with authorities.
Dentist's Patients To Be Tested For Blood-Borne Infections
More than 20,000 patients of a Nottinghamshire dentist are to be tested for blood-borne viruses. According to reports, the dentist has been suspended over a suspected breach of infection control standards. The BBC has reported that surveillance cameras were installed in the dentist's practice after a whistleblower raised concerns with authorities.
02 July 2014
Farage Leads Silent Protest At EU Parliament
Nigel Farage has led his UKIP MEPs in a silent protest against the European Parliament – at the opening of its new session in Strasbourg. An orchestra, also in attendance at the session, was playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the EU's unofficial anthem, when the MEPs turned their backs.
Farage Leads Silent Protest At EU Parliament
Nigel Farage has led his UKIP MEPs in a silent protest against the European Parliament – at the opening of its new session in Strasbourg. An orchestra, also in attendance at the session, was playing Beethoven's Ode to Joy, the EU's unofficial anthem, when the MEPs turned their backs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
