Defoe: England are buzzing after win

Jermain Defoe has hailed a great performance throughout the England team after their 1-0 win over Slovenia secured a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

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 on Sunday.

"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 winners the 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."

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."