The United States and England qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup 2010 !

(CNN) -- The United States and England are through to the last 16 of the World Cup after a dramatic finale to Group C on Wednesday.

The United States and England qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup in South Africa after beating Algeria and Slovenia 1-0 respectively



England saw off Slovenia 1-0 while the U.S, who looked headed out, scored an injury time winner through Landon Donovan to beat Algeria 1-0.

A draw would have left Slovenia to qualify in second place behind England, but the win takes the U.S. to the top of the group standings, having scored more goals.

After two draws against the U.S. and Algeria, the pressure on Fabio Capello's England in Port Elixabeth was enormous, but after an uncertain start a 22nd minute goal from Jermain Defoe eased their nerves and ultimately settled the match.

James Milner, who with the Tottenham striker was one of three changes in the England team from the goalless bore against Algeria, supplied the perfect cross from the right for Defoe to volley home.

England might have added a second as another Milner cross caused chaos in the Slovenian defense and Frank Lampard blazed over a left foot shot with the goal gaping.

Defoe was then sent through and his snap shot was parried by Samir Handanovic out to Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United star found England captain Steven Gerrard and his shot nearly squeezed its way past Handanovic as he grasped the ball at the second attempt.

England started the second half brightly and Rooney came agonizingly close to his first goal of the finals as he picked up a pass from Frank Lampard only to see his shot hit the post with Handanovic getting a vital touch.

Rooney was later replaced to give Chelsea's Joe Cole his first taste of the finals, but he will get the chance to show his true quality in the knockout stages.

In Pretoria, the United States looked set to rue another refereeing decision that went against them as Fulham's Clint Dempsey had the ball in the net in the first half, but it was ruled out for a debatable offside.

Dempsey also hit the post for Bob Bradley's men in the second half and time was running out when LA Galaxy star Donovan sidefooted home.

CNN --