Lampard looking for improvements

A first-half goal from the recalled Jermain Defoe was sufficient to secure victory in Port Elizabeth as England finished second in Group C behind the USA.

And memories of the woeful showing against Algeria were erased as England created enough opportunities to have won by a larger margin.

Lampard said: "We are delighted. It was a game we had to win and we did that with a good performance.

"We could have scored more goals and made it more comfortable rather than having a nervy ending.

"But, in terms of the performance, we spoke in the week in terms of playing with a bit more passion and a bit more pace in our game.

"We certainly did that in the first half. That was the difference."

Lampard is confident England can make major progress in the tournament if they maintain that level of spirit and intensity.

The Chelsea midfielder added: "We play that way for our clubs. That is why people regard the Premier League as one of the best and fear it when we play at our best.

"If we play with those qualities, then we have got a great chance."

Lampard hailed the finishing power of Defoe, who was starting his first competitive match under Fabio Capello for nearly two years.

The Tottenham striker, who replaced Emile Heskey, converted a cross from James Milner after 23 minutes for his 12th international goal.

Lampard, who played with Defoe at West Ham, said: "He is a goalscorer and he has done it everywhere he has been and continues to do it.

"It is not easy to come in. He hasn't played much. He played a little against Algeria but not much.

"When you come in, people expect goalscorers to score instantly.

"It doesn't always happen but he did it because he is very sharp and was in the right place."

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 but he worked his socks off and showed his quality," said Gerrard.