Speechless Defoe kicks World Cup bid into gear with winner

The Tottenham striker started his first competitive game at international level for nearly two years and popped up to net the 23rd-minute winner against Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.

It was Defoe's 12th goal for his country and ensured they 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."

Captain Steven Gerrard added: "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 in 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 were 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 then I really don't think we'll get another chance."