EuroHockey 2015: England victory sets up Germany semi-final

England booked their place in the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Championships with a 4-0 victory over Spain.

Ashley Jackson found the top corner from a penalty corner early in the second quarter and skipper Barry Middleton followed up to double the lead before half-time.

Chris Griffiths made it three with a scrambled goal before Jackson claimed his second with three minutes left.

Bobby Crutchley's side face Germany on Thursday for a place in the final.

England needed a draw to progress in their final Pool A match after beating Russia 10-1 and losing 2-0 to the Netherlands.

In a physical encounter, England keeper George Pinner and his opposite number Quico Cortes both made good saves to maintain the stalemate until the hosts scored twice within five minutes before half-time.

Griffiths pounced from close range to make sure of a deserved victory as Spain left gaps at the back.

England, European Champions in 2009, will hope to improve on their semi-final exit two years ago in Belgium.

Ireland face the Netherlands in the other semi-final, reaching the last four for the first time with a 2-2 draw against the Belgians in Pool B.

The bronze medal and gold medal matches take place on Saturday.