England were denied victory in Saturday`s Group C fixture in Rustenburg when Robert Green's blunder cancelled out Steven Gerrard`s early opener.

The result, allied to Slovenia`s win over Algeria on Sunday, leaves the group finely poised ahead of the second round of games.

Algeria are England`s next opponents on Friday in Cape Town and Chelsea midfielder Lampard stressed the importance of claiming three points.

Room for improvement

England`s vice-captain said: "It`s crucial to win the next game. To win against the USA would have put us in the driving seat, but we have to believe in ourselves.

"It was the first game - and first games are notoriously cagey. They all have been like that so far in the tournament and we were just unlucky with the goal.

"It felt very comfortable at 1-0. We had got the goal, were knocking the ball about well, were in control.

"It was unfortunate and it was frustrating. Their goal came at a good time for them.

"If they hadn`t have scored when they did, then I'm sure we would have gone on to win the game.

"But that`s the way it was and we know there is room for improvement still."