Matches are fast running out for England women in their bid to avert relegation from the FIH Pro League for the first time.
After beating Australia for a timely win on Tuesday, their second in 11 matches, the Hockeyroos came out 3-0 winners on Wednesday to climb to fourth place.
England are now one point ahead of Germany with four matches remaining at the foot of the Pro League standings. However Germany have two matches in hand, while India are two points ahead of David Ralph’s side.
A bright opening for England was scuppered by Jade Smith before half-time, before Grace Stewart and Greta Hayes secured the points.
India held Argentina to a vital 2-2 draw before Las Leonas won the shoot-out.
This weekend they face Spain in double header encounters in London. The Spanish will travel in good heart having beaten Belgium 1-0 on Wednesday.
Conversely, the Dutch women have already secured the title for the third successive time, a first for either gender in the global league.
Meanwhile England men are still searching for their first win since February after a run of five without full points.
Rohan Bhuhi did score a stunning reverse goal against the Netherlands for England’s first field goal in three games.
In a tight but entertaining match, Bhuhi’s sweetly-struck goal came after Jip Janssen had swept his PC through James Mazarelo’s legs.
England were denied a late penalty stroke after a video review as the Dutch finished their campaign with a 1-1 draw and bonus point for a comfortable shoot-out win.
Zach Jones’ side take on Australia this weekend with the Kookaburras 11 points behind the Dutch at the top, but with four games in hand.
Pro League fixtures:
Saturday 21 June
13:00 England v Spain – women
15:30 England v Australia – men
Sunday 22 June
12:00 England v Spain – women
14:30 England v Australia – men
