Hope Powell praised her players' battling performance after they held defending world champions Germany to a goalless draw in their penultimate game in Group A at the 2007 World Cup.

After a 2-2 draw in their opening game against Japan on Tuesday, England knew they needed a result to keep alive their hopes of progressing in only their second World Cup appearance.

With Japan having beaten Argentina 1-0 earlier in the evening, a defeat to Germany would have severely dented England's hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. But the Three Lions put in a battling display to stifle the German attack and ensure a share of the spoils at the Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai.

''I think the performance was excellent,'' said Powell. ''It was very tough for us as Germany are a great team.

''In this tournament to get a point against the world champions is a great achievement. The girls worked so hard and played so well.

''We got a point and though I would have liked three I am happy with a point.

''We now have to refocus; we have an important game against Argentina which will be tough.''

After the outstanding performance of Kelly Smith in the last game, there was another player who rose to the fore this time as captain Faye White time and again snuffed out the Germany attack.

But Powell insisted England never rely on the performance of one player, instead highlighting the contribution of the team as a whole in working together to get the result.

''I have always said from the outset that this England team is never about one player,'' she added. ''Sometimes a player catches the limelight, like Kelly in the last game but without the team they wont be able to shine.''

England have never beaten Germany who, after their 11-0 defeat of Argentina in the opening game of the tournament, were favourites to win the encounter.

But coach Silvia Neid admitted the game was always going to be difficult for her side and praised England's defence in frustrating Germany's attacks.

''England played well in defence, were tight and didn't allow us any chances and that was key in this draw,'' she said.

''They are a good team and the chances of them winning this game was always going to be 50-50.

''We are on the right track, I would have liked three points in this game but nevertheless we can still get three points in the next one.''

The result means England have two points in Group A, two behind Germany and Japan with just Argentina left to play on Monday.

Smith created England's best chance in the 36th minute after she was fouled following a mazy run.

Alex Scott struck the resulting free-kick well but it was well saved by.