EuroHockey 2015: England beaten by Netherlands

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EuroHockey 2015: England men suffer defeat to Netherlands

EuroHockey Championships

Venue: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Dates: 21-30 August

Coverage: All England, Scotland and Ireland matches live on BBC Red Button, BBC Sport website, tablets, mobiles and app, plus selected commentaries on Radio 5 live sports extra.

England need a draw in their final Pool A match on Tuesday to reach the men's EuroHockey semi-finals after losing 2-0 to the Netherlands in London.

Bobby Crutchley's side will face Spain, who beat Russia 9-0 earlier on Sunday.

Mirco Pruijser hooked in the Netherlands' first goal from a penalty corner five minutes from the end of the second quarter.

Constantijn Jonker added a late second for Max Caldas's team, who are the top-ranked side at the tournament.

The victory secured a semi-final place for the Netherlands, who will definitely finish top of the four-team group if they avoid defeat against Russia on Tuesday.

Pool A

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

Netherlands

2

2

0

0

4

0

6

England

2

1

0

1

10

3

3

Spain

2

1

0

1

9

2

3

Russia

2

0

0

2

1

19

0

England, who beat Russia 10-1 in their opening match, are level on points and goal difference with Spain in the battle for the other qualifying spot - but Crutchley's team are ahead on goals scored. The two top teams from the group will go through to the last four.

The Netherlands created more of the chances in a tight match at the Olympic Park, and could have taken an early lead when Billy Bakker hit the bar.

Pruijser struck after the ball ran loose off goalkeeper George Pinner, before Jaap Stockmann saved from Ashley Jackson at the other end.

Pinner advanced well to prevent Jonker adding a second, while England's best chance came in the final quarter, as Mark Gleghorne was denied by a superb Stockmann stop.

Jonker did score with five minutes to play, sweeping in Rogier Hofman's excellent low cross from close in.

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