Hello all... I'm Chris Bevan in Cape Town and I hope you are ready for day 13 of the 2010 World Cup - it's going to be huge. We've already seen the hosts South Africa bow out, and in about eight hours time we will know England's fate too... seems a bit early on for a 'day of destiny' doesn't it? That's what we've got though...

At least Bafana Bafana signed off with a win, and gave their fans here something to be proud of. There were still some emotional scenes around this city when their elimination was confirmed but the front of today's Cape Times (which reads 'out, but not down') reflects the upbeat feeling about their performance - and how the World Cup party is definitely carrying on for the hosts.

I'm not sure England can look forward to such positive headlines if their match with Slovenia (at 15:00 BST) proves to be their last of the tournament... but let's not think about that scenario just yet. How can Fabio Capello's men get out of Group C and reach the last 16? Well, a win would make absolutely certain of their progress, while a high-scoring draw might mean lots being drawn to decide whether they or the United States go through. Lose? They are on their way home...

So, England fans - how are you feeling? Did you wake up this morning full of hope - or full of fear? We are all in this together, so I need to know. Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @chrisbevan_bbc or join the chat on 606.

I spoke to Alan Shearer about England's chances and, like you lot, he is pretty nervous. He is concerned by Wayne Rooney's lack of form so far at this tournament but told me: "Fabio Capello would be a fool to leave him out or even take him off, even if he is not playing well. Against Algeria, Rooney had a poor first touch and just did not look right - it was almost as if he was carrying an injury - but he is a match-winner and it is very difficult to justify leaving match-winners out or taking them off when you need something to happen."

Er, I'm getting the feeling that most of you are full of fear rather than confidence. Just a reminder that you will be able to watch (if you can bear to) England take on Slovenia on BBC One and right here on this website (if you are in the UK).

I'm guessing that some of you are not just worried about how England will get on against Slovenia, you are worried about whether you are going to be able to watch it. This is England's first game of the tournament to take place during a working day and many schools and businesses are making special arrangements to allow people to watch it - I hope you are one of the lucky ones!

Some of the reports coming out of the England camp suggest that Fabio Capello will play Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney up front against Slovenia, and James Milner could come back into the side on the right flank. The only thing we know for sure, though, is that England will play in all-red this afternoon. The good news is they are unbeaten on all four occasions they have worn that kit before. In 1962 they beat Peru 4-0 in a friendly and drew 0-0 with Bulgaria at the World Cup finals in Chile. It also brought a 4-2 friendly win over Czechoslovakia in 1963 and a 3-1 friendly win against Belgium in 1970. Surely you are feeling a bit better about today now you know that?

It's not all about England today you know? (OK, it actually is). But there's a real dog-fight going on to get out of Group D too, where Ghana face Germany and Serbia play Australia (both at 19:30 BST) with all four sides still able to progress. 'Why am I bothered?' I hear you ask... Well, the winner of Group C plays the runner-up in Group D in the last 16, and vice-versa. So, it is possible that England get through today and end up playing Germany next... or even Australia. The thought of either of those games will probably make most of you explode, but it's, er, probably best not to get ahead of ourselves just yet, is it?

OK, six teams are already out of this World Cup: Cameroon and North Korea were the first two to be eliminated and South Africa, France, Greece and Nigeria all saw their hopes ended on Tuesday. From that quartet, France have had had the most turbulent tournament of any team in (my) memory, while Nigeria will probably feel they should be in the last 16. A win over South Korea would have done the trick and they certainly had enough chances to do just that, including Yakubu's quite incredible miss from a few yards out. Instead, they drew 2-2 and are heading home - just as four more nations will be today.

Right, what do you lot know about Slovenia then? If your knowledge of Majaz Kek and his side is a bit rusty then you should check out our insider's guide to their squad. Before the tournament began, BBC Sport's Paul Fletcher spoke to Bochum front-man Zlatko Dedic, who featured in their opening win over Algeria. Apparently fellow striker Milivoje Novakovic is their danger-man and Bostja Cesar is "a very tough guy". Oh, and when they qualified for the World Cup, the Slovenian prime minister cleaned the team's shoes - maybe David Cameron should promise to do the same for England if they win and reach the last 16.

BBC Sport's John Motson (aka World Cup Motty) points out that if England do exit today it will be the first time since 1958 that they have failed to get out of the group stage at a World Cup finals - and even in that year they had a play-off. Worry not, though - Motty is backing England to beat Slovenia, win the group and make the second round - with the United States also progressing as runners-up.

Here's more on Fabio Capello's possible England team today: As well as Matthew Upson replacing the suspended Jamie Carragher at centre-back, BBC sports news correspondent Dan Roan says: "My understanding is that Capello will go with James Milner instead of Aaron Lennon. Jermain Defoe is expected to come in for Emile Heskey."

That early team news suggests Joe Cole may have to wait even longer to get his chance for England at this World Cup, and his club future is no nearer to being resolved either. Cole has left Chelsea and been linked with a number of other Premier League clubs but BBC Sport understands that Manchester United, one of the teams thought to be chasing him, will not be trying to sign him. Arsenal and Tottenham remain favourites to land the midfielder.

Hopefully, no matter what happens to England today - be it good or bad - they won't make as ignominious an exit as the one France made on Tuesday. A turbulent tournament that had already seen Nicolas Anelka expelled for arguing with coach Raymond Domenech and captain Patrice Evra dropped for arguing with that decision, ended with Domenech refusing to shake the hand of South Africa boss Carlos Alberto Parreira at the end of the hosts' 2-1 victory. Domenech, who was to be replaced by Laurent Blanc in any case, is unlikely to remember this World Cup very fondly.

There's a bit of concern over the state of the pitch at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Apparently it's a bit heavy following a lot of rain in the last week and Slovenia and England were unable to train at the ground on Tuesday. Still, at least the England players will be used to playing on a dodgy surface - and, on that note, the pitch consultants in charge of Wembley have announced they have resigned, and will stand down at the end of June... hope whoever replaces them gets things right for the big one - the Muse concert in September.

It's not just some of you who are struggling to get out of work (or school) to watch the England-Slovenia match at 15:00 (live on BBC One and this website in the UK). BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti reports that Downing Street says prime minister David Cameron will be trying to watch as much of this afternoon's England game as possible. He has a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowan at No. 10 at 3.15pm, but will try and watch the second half.

"It is a do-or-die situation. It would be an absolute disaster for this group of players to go home after the group stages - The key is to try and live without fear. There is pressure and fear. But the fear of not winning drives you on. We've come here to stay in this tournament to the end."

"The quality of England is clear. England, for me, are still a favourite to win the World Cup. But, if we play our game, I am sure we can get to the second round. It's a fight to get to the knockout phase and it is an additional motivation to play against a team that has been so big. We feel confident, we are courageous and we will be able to face up to England."

Ah, so much for my optimism at 09:57. I'm told that the last time England played in all-red was actually against Brazil in the Umbro Cup in 1995. They lost 3-1, (with Colin Cooper and John Scales at centre-back and Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham up front) and I seem to remember a young Juninho having a superb game for Brazil - good enough to win him a move to Middlesbrough. Those were the days...

Right, I'm guessing you lot might have heard that England will have a German referee today - Wolfgang Stark - but did you know he has had a bit of previous with John Terry? The former England captain got very upset with Mr Stark after he took charge of Chelsea's Champions League defeat at the hands of Inter Milan last season, accusing him of "pure disrespect". Bodes well...

Alan Shearer has just arrived at BBC HQ in Cape Town and is making everybody, including me, a cup of tea or coffee. It's a pre-England game ritual of his, apparently, although I'm not sure if he did the same when he was playing for them.

While England fans count down to 1500 BST, the rest of the UK looks on. The Scottish edition of the Sun newspaper has a photo of Fabio Capello with one hand in the air and the caption: 'Hands up who's daft enough to think the English can still win it?' In Northern Ireland, Belfast Telegraph columnist Steven Beacom calls for greater maturity from England players in a piece which says: 'Grumpy young men should grow up.' In Wales, the sports agenda is dominated by news of the second rugby union test against New Zealand on Saturday.

Just over two hours to go until kick-off between England and Slovenia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. I know, it seems like an eternity to wait. But there is another game going on in Group C - between Algeria and the United States - that could prove crucial to England's hopes, especially if Fabio Capello's side don't win. If you need a reminder of what all the possible qualification permutations are, why not check out our handy guide on the BBC website.

Right, that is my part in the build-up done and dusted. Time to hand you over to Jonathan Stevenson, who will bring you all the line-ups and team news and take you through all the action of both games in Group C too. It's going to be a tense afternoon for England fans - and that's just before kick-off... thanks for all your banter this morning, and hope you are all smiling at the final whistle - see you soon.

I hope Chris Bevan has quenched your thirst for build-up chat, shall we now ramp it up a notch further? You’ve just flown virtually from Cape Town to Johannesburg and you’re with Jonathan Stevenson as we look ahead to Slovenia v England and USA v Algeria. Refresh your page and let’s get on with the business at hand.

There’s no need to feel nervous today, honestly. If an England win is what you’re after, then that’s exactly what the experts are predicting - from Alan Shearer to John Motson, from Steven Gerrard to Jurgen Klinsmann. It’s all in hand, so don’t you waste time worrying. And if the players have seen Brian Blessed’s battle cry, there’s absolutely no way they won’t win today. That man could break a vuvuzela with his voice alone.

If I had to ask you to get in touch today, I'd feel as though I'd failed in my duty. Your country needs you - wherever you're from. Texts go to 81111 (UK) and +44 7786200666 (worldwide), I'm on Twitter @Stevo_football and there's a debate a-brewing on the 606 page too. Hear from you soon.

On the other hand, Slovenia are quite good you know. Anyone remember England’s 2-1 win in a friendly in September? I thought Matjaz Kek's team played some cracking stuff that day and they have continued in that fashion at the World Cup. Players to watch out for include left-footed wizard Valter Birsa, hard-as-nails defender Bostjan Cesar and midfield schemer Robert Koren. You’ve been warned.

Just a reminder that England will be playing in an all-red kit today for only the sixth time in their history. Meanwhile the Slovenia coach pulls into the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Apparently the motto 'Never Judge Greatness By Size' is everywhere you look at their training camp.

If you want to know exactly how England can qualify, better people than me have been attempting to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. In a nutshell, they go through with a win, but can do with a draw. Lose and they’re gone. Every World Cup group has several permutations, but you probably know most of them by now, don’t you?

The England players have just arrived at the stadium in Port Elizabeth. Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole are last off the bus with music earphones firmly in place. There's no singing a la Diego Maradona or the South Africans, and no lollipops a la Lionel Messi. This is as serious as football gets.

Former US president Bill Clinton is ready to catch World Cup fever and plans to cheer on the US team against Algeria in Pretoria, South Africa, his New York-based foundation has revealed. After attending the Group C match, Clinton will visit Tanzania and Malawi to check on humanitarian and education projects launched there by his foundation.

Ever wondered how many England footballers would get in the Spain World Cup squad? The Daily Telegraph's Duncan White has been doing exactly that and he comes to some interesting conclusions. I'll give you a clue - he reckons less than double figures...

England team to play Slovenia: James, Johnson, A Cole, Upson, Terry, Barry, Milner, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, Defoe.

However you are feeling, just think, it could be worse. France legend Thierry Henry is going to meet the country's president Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday to discuss their cataclysmic failure at the World Cup. Let's hope David Cameron and Steven Gerrard aren't hooking up 24 hours later...

United States: 1-Tim Howard; 6-Steve Cherundolo, 15-Jay DeMerit, 12-Jonathan Bornstein, 3-Carlos Bocanegra; 10-Landon Donovan, 4-Michael Bradley, 19-Maurice Edu, 8-Clint Dempsey; 17-Jozy Altidore, 9-Hercules Gomez.
Algeria: 23-Rais Ouheb Mbouli; 2-Majid Bougherra, 5-Rafik Halliche, 4-Antar Yahia, 3-Nader Belhadj, 21-Fouad Kadir, 19-Hassan Yebda, 8-Medhi Lacen, 15-Karim Ziani, 11-Rafik Djebbour, 13-Karim Matmour.
Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

Slovenia: 1-Samir Handanovic; 2-Miso Brecko, 4-Marko Suler, 5-Bostjan Cesar, 13-Bojan Jokic; 10-Valter Birsa, 8-Robert Koren, 18-Aleksandar Radosavljevic, 17-Andraz Kirm; 9-Zlatan Ljubijankic, 11-Milivoje Novakovic.
England: 1-David James; 2-Glen Johnson, 15-Matthew Upson, 6-John Terry, 3-Ashley Cole; 16-James Milner, 4-Steven Gerrard, 8-Frank Lampard, 14-Gareth Barry; 19-Jermain Defoe, 10-Wayne Rooney.
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

Three changes then for England after their shocking 0-0 draw with Algeria. Jamie Carragher is suspended and Aaron Lennon and Emile Heskey dropped, so Matthew Upson, James Milner and Jermain Defoe are back in. Slovenia are unchanged from their 2-2 draw with USA.

My colleague Paul Fletcher spoke to Slovenia’s Zlatko Dedic in a bid to find out what we can expect from England’s opponents in Port Elizabeth. My favourite bit is when he confirmed the prime minister of his country cleaned his football boots after their World Cup play-off win over Russia. I wonder what Borut Pahor would do if they beat England today?

USA coach Bob Bradley leaves center-back Oguchi Onyewu on the bench and calls up Jonathan Bornstein, while Hercules Gomez comes in for suspended striker Robbie Findley and Maurice Edu replaces Jose Torres in midfield. Algeria make one change from their 0-0 draw with England, bringing in striker Rafik Djebbour.

I know you're bored of my rubbish predos, so I've got a special guest predo for today...

Stevo's three-year-old nephew Nathan's predo:
England 10-0 Slovenia

"We are aware of the significance of the match for England and Slovenia. The stakes are very high. England have to go to the second round; Slovenia wish to go to the second round. This is our wish. I am just dealing with the problems Slovenia face, not focusing on the problems England face."

If you are in the UK and are going to watch this afternoon's action on the website, don't forget you can switch between the England-Slovenia and USA-Algeria games at the click of a button. England are also on BBC One and BBC HD and BBC Radio 5 live too.

"When I said my target is the final of the World Cup it was because we showed this is a really good squad. I think if... no, not if, when we win on Wednesday then all the teams have to fight against us. We will be fit to fight. Definitely."

In case you've just rocked up, the England team today is: James, Johnson, A Cole, Terry, Upson, Barry, Milner, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney, Defoe.

The teams are out in Port Elizabeth and Pretoria. If you could refrain from talking for a moment while we respect The Star-Spangled Banner, God Save the Queen, Zdravljica and Kassaman, I’d be ever so grateful. I’m becoming really quite fond of these tunes, you know.

We're on the brink of getting under way in both Group C contests after a belting effort from the England players during the anthem - big kudos to Matty Upson, David James, John Terry and Ashley Cole there.

It was a rather more sedate affair in Pretoria where the anthems of both the United States and Algeria were impeccably observed.

Glen Johnson has had a poor start, mis-kicking once and twice committing silly fouls. He is lucky to avoid yellow after bringing downm Andraz Kirm, but he won't be so fortunate next time.

Slovenia are dangerous - no-one more so than Valter Birsa, who shoots from 20 yards and David James makes a comfortable save. They shouldn't just let him hit them from there, though.

England are diving in needlessly here - this time Gareth Barry is lucky to escape a booking for a lunge on Aleksandar Radosavljevic.

Frank Lampard tries an ambitious 35-yard free-kick, but it's safely gathered in by Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic. That ball was moving all over the place.

England are in the ascendancy in Port Elizabeth as Steven Gerrard plays a sweeping ball out to the right to James Milner, only for the Villa man to lose possession. England are passing it a bit better, though.

The ball breaks to Wayne Rooney just inside the Slovenia area but instead of passing to a free James Milner on the right, he hits a shot that is deflected behind. From the corner, John Terry glances goalwards but it's past the far post.

Glen Johnson cuts inside on to his left foot frm about 22 yards and his shot bounces awkwardly in front of Samir Handanovic, who makes the save. At the other end John Terry gets in a fine block as Slovenia counter.

Almost 2-0. James Milner sends in another fine cross and Samir Handanovic can only push it away from Jermain Defoe - it falls to Frank Lampard 18 yards out, but he fires over the bar. England are buzzing.

England top the group, and they are going through to the last 16 with Slovenia.

All quiet in Pretoria at the moment, though Algeria are having slightly the better of it and look a bit sharper in the final third too.

England are rampant. Jermain Defoe hammers in a low shot frm 18 yards that Samir Handanovic saves and from the rebound Wayne Rooney tees up Steven Gerrard - his shot is half-saved by Handanovic and he recovers in time to turn around and pick the ball up about a yard off his line.

Slovenia have some possession for the first time in quite a while, a reminder to England that their lead in this one is very slender indeed.

USA almost break through in Pretoria as Landon Donovan plays in Clint Dempsey and his shot from inside the area is well saved by Rais M Bolhi.

That's an amazing miss from Jozy Altidore. Landon Donovan is half-blocked by the keeper as he cuts in from the right of the area, but with Rais M Bolhi out of position, Altidore spoons haplessly over from six yards.

Karim Ziani lets fly from outside the USA area, but it's comfortably wide. Both of these teams can still go through, but they need a goal to do so.

Bostjan Cesar goes straight through Jermain Defoe and poleaxes the striker, but the referee waves play on. Defoe is OK, if a little incensed at his treatment.

So to summarise, it's goalless at the break in Pretoria. Algeria have adopted a patient approach to attacking while the United States have been a bit more direct. It's impossible to call who's going to win that one. Unless someone does win it, England and Slovenia are going through.

Back under way in Port Elizabeth and within seconds of the restart Slovenia's sloppy defence allows a half-chance for Jermain Defoe, but he can only flick wide from six yards.

Back under way at Pretoria as well - they are two minutes and 20 seconds behind. Benny Feilhaber comes on for USA.

Still no goals in Pretoria. USA coach Bob Bradley is breathing hard and puffing out his cheeks - it looks like the tension is getting to him.

England look like they might score every time they go forward and another lovely exchange of passes between Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney ends when Rooney loses possession on the edge of the Slovenia box. How desperate is the 24-year-old to end his seven-match drought in an England shirt? (Very)

Steven Gerrard is having a cracking game - he plays another stunning Hollywood pass out to the right to Glen Johnson and England are cranking up the pressure once again in Port Elizabeth.

I've done Samir Handanovic a disservice - he fingertipped Wayne Rooney's shot on to the post moments ago. Super save.

England have to be careful, they have such a slender advantage despite outplaying Slovenia for so much of this match. A slip lets Valter Birsa approach the area, but his left-foot curler is tame and David James collects easily.

Wayne Rooney is limping.

My word. Slovenia counter after Gareth Barry gives the ball away and they have three shots on goal in quick succession, with John Terry and Glen Johnson getting in heroic blocks and then Valter Birsa firing wide. My heart stopped, briefly. Yours?

Wayne Rooney appears to be running OK now, but England are readying Joe Cole. He is still alive!

So close to a goal at both ends in Pretoria. Edson Buddle's close-range header is superbly saved by Rais M Bolhi before Algeria race away and Karim Ziani shoots beyond the far post when he really should have done better.

Squeaky bum time, definition: right now. The England fans launch into a rendition of the national anthem - their team are 15 minutes away from a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

England are still enjoying the lion's share of the possession, if you'll excuse the pun, but it only takes a second to score a goal so they need to be alert. My boss tells me his two-year-old son has just punched his eight-year-old sister and knocked her tooth out. World Cup tension affects everyone.

USA go close again as manager's son Michael Bradley fizzes in a 20-yard free-kick and Rais M Bolhi has to be on the ball to parry it away.

Last throw of the dice for the United States as they switch to three at the back and bring on DaMarcus Beasley in attack. Even President Clinton is biting his nails as the game enters its final 10 minutes.

Miso Brecko hammers a right-foot shot miles and miles and miles over the England bar from 25 yards. This is almost unbearable. Up the other end and Joe Cole spanks one wide from an angle.

England will finish first, Slovenia second.

Pinball inside the England area, that's not pleasant viewing for anyone. A sliding Steven Gerrard makes a crucial block and eventually the danger is averted. In Pretoria, USA are taking real risks to try and get the goal that would send them through.

England finish second in Group C and they will now face the winners of Group D (either Germany, Ghana or Serbia) on Sunday at 1500 BST in Bloemfontein - you will be able to watch or listen to that live across the BBC. As for USA, they wil play Group D's second-placed side on Saturday at 1930 BST in Rustenburg.

"This is what I wanted to see - the spirit, see them fight together. I am really, really happy. I rediscovered the team I knew from qualification."

"I'm lost for words - what a moment. You dream about this as a young lad. This was a must-win game, a Cup final. To get the early goal was great."

"The main thing is that we got through, but we know we will have to play a tough team."

That's your lot from me, Jonathan Stevenson in Johannesburg - I'm handing over to Sam Patrick Lyon for some more Group C reaction so I can hot-foot it to Soccer City and watch Germany-Ghana this evening. Congrats to England and USA - and also to Gemma and Jono, who had a beautiful baby boy born during the game! Defo Jermain, then...

It was never in doubt was it?

Well that was much more like it, wasn't it? Stevie Gerrard was immense, James Milner quality, the defence brilliant - and little Jermain Defoe the match-winner. Have England stumbled on their perfect formula? And what of the trials to come? I'm Sam Lyon and I'm with you for the next little while to get your thoughts on all things Group C. Text me on 81111 (UK) or +44 7786200666 (worldwide), Tweet me @sampatricklyon or join in on 606.

"What trials to come?" I hear the voices in my head ask. Well, on my calculations, England's run could well now look like this. Second Round: Germany. Quarter-final: Argentina. Semi-final: Spain. Final: Brazil. They will have earned it if they win it and no mistake, huh?

England coach Fabio Capello has been talking to the media and has revealed Wayne Rooney was taken off midway through the second half because his ankle was "not so good". The Manchester United striker now faces a thorough medical assessment, but Don Fabio believes the 24-year-old "will be ok" for the next match on Sunday. Fingers crossed all round, yeah?

Ah, the backlash has started. Plenty of you (though by far the minority) are getting in touch in response to "everyone's over-reaction". Perhaps it's because England fans are so used to being let down at the big moments that they're enjoying the moment while they can? Perhaps it's because they witnessed a very good performance - when it mattered - tonight? Perhaps it's because England are in the second round of the World Cup and very much alive and kicking? Unfortunately, though, I cannot read minds, so I'll leave the guesswork to you lot.

Our very own Brent Pilnick has been chatting to Joe Cole after that game, and the little man makes an interesting point: "Any of three teams can go through from Group D really, so maybe finishing second might actually benefit us as it’s an extra day's rest. The teams are so evenly matched in this tournament, I don’t think there's a lot in it between Ghana, Serbia and Germany."

Right - another reality check alert I'm afraid. England have never gone past the quarter-final stage when progressing as group runners-up. The United States, meanwhile, qualify as group winners for the first time since 1930. I wonder if that's an omen for Uruguay?

Right then, that's it from this commentary - don't forget to check out our match report - I'll be back in half an hour or so for this evening's climax to Group D. As we now know, that pair of games could have a massive affect on England's tournament - so don't you dare miss it. See you in a bit.