STEVEN GERRARD believes England have started to answer their critics as they moved into the last 16 at the World Cup.
A first half Jermain Defoe goal was enough to beat Slovenia in Port Elizabeth yesterday afternoon to see Fabio Capello’s team finish second in Group C behind the USA who beat Algeria 1-0 in Pretoria.
Consecutive draws against the American’s and Algeria had threatened England’s progress in South Africa.
Gerrard had questioned the desire of the team ahead of the final group match yesterday, insisting the supporters deserved much more.
His rallying call had the desired effect and now the Liverpool and England captain wants more of the same in the knockout stage when they face Germany in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
“We did everything that could be asked for,” said Gerrard.
“We showed passion, fight, team spirit, togetherness and quality as well. We thoroughly deserved to go through.
“We’ve done this before as when our backs are against the wall and there are people doubting us we roll our sleeves up and produce the goods, but we need to do that all of the time to get to the final stages of the tournament.
”We need to find consistency now, especially in the knockout stages because if we perform like we did against Algeria then I don’t think we will get another chance.”
England missed a host of chances to settle the match before enduring some nervy moments as Slovenia put together a late charge.
“When you need to win a game and when you don’t finish teams off you’re going to be be anxious at the end,” admitted Gerrard.
“But I thought all the players that started the game and all the subs were terrific.
“We need to find consistency now in the knock-out stages.
“I think if we play like we did today and keep listening to the manager and keep delivering what he’s asking we’ve got the quality you need to win football matches, anything can happen.”
Gerrard started on the left of a four-man midfield as Capello looked to accommodate Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry in the middle.
The Italian has been criticised for not utilising Gerrard in his favoured central role but the midfielder was pleased with his performance.
