Defoe knocked in James Milner's cross from close range as England chases the victory it needs to advance.

Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard also went close to scoring as England recovered from a nervous opening.

Slovenia had the best chance of the early exchanges when midfielder Valter Birsa cut in from the left in the seventh minute but his shot was saved easily by goalkeeper David James.

England needs a win to guarantee progress while surprise Group C leader Slovenia only needs a draw.

All four teams can still progress to the next round.