Fabio Capello has said England could "go forward without fear" after his side booked qualification for the World Cup knock-out stages.

A first half strike from Jermain Defoe secured a nervy 1-0 victory over Slovenia in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The result, which sees England now face a Second Round clash against Germany, sparked celebrations around the UK, as the team finished runners-up in Group C.

Many schools and businesses made special arrangements so people could watch the game as normally busy shopping centres and streets were deserted. Millions gathered in pubs, clubs and in front of giant screens, including one at the Glastonbury Festival.

In Port Elizabeth, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium witnessed joyous scenes as England fans - many dressed as knights, musketeers and big game hunters - won the battle to make themselves heard above the vuvuzelas.

An emotional Capello was full of praise for his players: "We played together, fight together and I am really, really happy for the result."

"This was the team that I know. This team can go forward. All the team the coaches, their mind is free. We can go forward without fear."

The win saw bookmakers slash odds on England winning the World Cup, with Betfair shortening its price from 13--1 to 10-1.

And England fans leaving the stadium felt the team had finally got their World Cup campaign under way.

Dan Thomas, 30, a sales manager from Guildford, Surrey, said: "It was an excellent game. We defended well, passed well, it was a completely different performance."