James Milner is Ron Flowers' key man

World Cup winner Ron Flowers has identified Villa's James Milner as a key man in England's bid to sink old foes Germany.

Milner marked his return to the side by setting up Jermain Defoe for the only goal of the game, as England beat Slovenia 1-0 to book their place in the last 16.

A last-gasp winner for the United States against Algeria meant they had to settle for second place in Group C, however, and Germany now await on Sunday.

But Flowers, part of the triumphant Three Lions squad which defeated Germany in 1966, reckons Milner and skipper Steven Gerrard could be the difference between success and failure for Fabio Capello's men following their starring roles yesterday.

He said: "It was bit of a nail-biting end but I thought we played a lot better. They were quicker, they upped the tempo a little bit compared to previously and consequently they came out on top.

"Steven Gerrard was at his best. He's very good at driving the team forward and James Milner is a very similar player. I think that's pretty much where the win came from.

"As long as those two are doing their stuff then England can go a long way. They have got to improve a bit more. I'm sure they will now build on this and they have a bit of time to get themselves together.

"At their best I think they can give anyone a game."

Flowers was joined at Bar Sport in Cannock by another 1966 hero, Roger Hunt, who insists England must be content with second spot in Group C after flirting with an early exit.

He said: "We were favourites to win the group but, considering we could have gone out, we have to be satisfied.

"At last we are through, that's the main thing. It's a relief after the first two games which were very disappointing. For a country like this that's mad on football it would have been a disaster.

"I thought we were tense for the first 10 to 15 minutes, but then we started to play and in the end we were deserved winners.

"They should have got another goal but overall it was very encouraging."