Defoe undeterred by route to final
England striker Jermain Defoe says he hopes Sunday's last-16 match against Germany is not decided by penalties.
With the Germans having beaten England on penalties twice before - in the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 96 - they may hold the edge in that department.
Defoe revealed England have been practising penalties "every day since the training camp in Austria".
But the match-winner against Slovenia added: "I hope it doesn't go that far. We want to win it in 90 minutes."
Twenty years ago, England suffered heartbreak in the World Cup semi-finals when Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed their spot-kicks as West Germany triumphed.
Six years later, a by-now unified Germany were victorious in the European Championship semi-finals, with Gareth Southgate this time missing the crucial penalty for England.
Defoe is eager the "biggest match" of his career does not follow a similar pattern.
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The 27-year-old Tottenham forward, who scored the only goal against Slovenia to put England in the knockout stages, believes England can build on their new-found momentum.
After delivering a much improved performance from their first two matches - draws with the United States and Algeria - Defoe revealed "the lads are buzzing".
"It's not just because of the win but because of the performance," he added.
"From front to back, everyone played well. The spirit was good, and if we play with the same spirit we have a good chance.
"Germany are fantastic in major tournaments, it won't be easy. They are a good side, they move the ball well, they have good movement and they are organised.
"But we are a great side. It's important for us not to take our foot off the gas, be confident and look forward to the game.
"The manager, Fabio Capello, has told us 'you're great players and we can win the World Cup, keep it going'.
"We have a strong squad, a good mix of players and we have a good chance."
Meanwhile, striker Wayne Rooney calmed fears about his fitness by taking part in light training with his team-mates in Rustenburg on Thursday.
 Rooney was substituted in the second half against Slovenia
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Rooney was substituted after 72 minutes against Slovenia on Wednesday because of an ankle problem.
But he trained in the gym alongside the other players who featured in the game, boosting hopes he will be fit to face Germany.
Michael Carrick and Aaron Lennon missed training with ankle injuries.
But centre-back Ledley King, who is recovering from a groin strain suffered in England's opening game against the United States, was able to return to the training ground, although he did not do any contact work and was restricted to an individual session.
It is unclear when the 29-year-old will be available, but his appearance raised hopes that he might be fit for a potential quarter-final meeting with either Argentina or Mexico in Cape Town, should England manage to get past the Germans.
However, the main concern for most England fans will be the fitness of Rooney, who was seen hobbling down the stairs of the plane after England returned to their training base from Port Elizabeth.
The striker suffered an ankle injury playing for Manchester United against Bayern Munich in March, and has struggled to find his best form since returning to action.
England boss Capello said Rooney's ankle was "not so good" after the match against Slovenia, although the Italian was optimistic the 24-year-old would be fit to face Germany.
"I have to wait for the doctor but I think it will be OK for the next game on Sunday," said Capello.
Rooney, regarded as central to England's hopes of progressing to the later stages of the tournament, has made a slow start in South Africa and has yet to score.
But against Slovenia he showed flashes of his usual excellence, with goalkeeper Samir Handanovic pushing one Rooney effort onto the post in the second half.
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