Abhay Puri looks at player performances in England's 1-0 win over Slovenia.
ENGLAND
David James - 6
Did well on the rare occasions that he was called upon, most notably, a powerful second-half free kick from Birsa which he did well to get behind and collect.
Glen Johnson - 6
Caught out of position a couple of times and made a few late tackles. Unconvincing but good going forward, as always.
Matthew Upson - 7
Made a crucial tackle late in the game, and looked fairly comfortable despite being called upon very little.
John Terry - 8
Played brilliantly, making a couple of absolutely critical blocks and tackles and intercepting numerous Slovenian passes.
Ashley Cole - 6.5
Was good going forward but not his usual stellar self at the back, losing out a couple of times.
James Milner - 8
Played wonderfully on the right - his accurate cross created the goal, and he was very threatening throughout the game.
Steven Gerrard - 7.5
Played a captain's role, getting back well and seemed to find his passing groove again.
Frank Lampard - 5
Looked underwhelming and missed a couple of easy chances.
Gareth Barry - 7
Did his holding midfield job well, and covered for Johnson efficiently when the right back was caught out.
Jermain Defoe - 7.5
Took his chance for the goal well and was threatening all night.
Wayne Rooney - 7
Could have done better when he hit the post, but otherwise had a decent game, linking up well with the midfield and dropping deep frequently.
Substitutes
Joe Cole (on 72') - 5
Missed one shot, but did well at wasting time in the corner for the last few minutes along with Milner.
Emile Heskey (on 85') - 5
Didn't see much of the ball as he was only on for the last five minutes.
SLOVENIA
Samir Handanovic - 8
Made a few excellent saves and kept his side in the game.
Miso Brecko - 6
Did well to deal with the threat of Cole and Gerrard on the left, but was not able to get forward as he did against the USA.
Marko Suler - 5.5
Should have done better when marking Defoe for the goal, but otherwise had a good game.
Bostjan Cesar - 6
Was defensively decent but occasionally caught out.
Bojan Jokic - 6.5
Was impressive, but had trouble stopping Milner on a couple of occassions.
Valter Birsa - 6
Took numerous long shots, of which few were convincing, and failed to boss the midfield.
Robert Koren - 6
Could not control midfield at all, and was forced to run around trying to protect his defence.
Aleksandar Radosavljevic - 6
Was occupied with his defensive duties for much of the game, and could not get forward at all.
Andraz Kirm (off 79') - 6
Did not see too much off the ball and was quickly closed down by Barry and Terry.
Zlatan Ljubijankic (off 62') - 5.5
Struggled to get past Terry all night.
Milivoje Novakovic - 6
Worked hard, but didn't see much of the ball at all.
Substitutes
Zlatko Dedic (on 62') - 6.5
Created a few half-chances when he came on.
Tim Matavz (on 79') - 5
Didn't have much time to prove himself, and his late shot was crucially blocked by Upson.