Indian men’s hockey team loses to England in World Cup

Defensive lapses proved costly as India went down 2-4 to England in their second pool match of the men’s Hockey World Cup here on Sunday, leaving the Harmanpreet Singh-led side needing to avoid a defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in their clash on Wednesday. India, who had beaten Wales 3-1 in their opening match, staged a strong comeback to lead 2-1 at half-time in the Pool D match, but were completely outplayed in the third quarter, conceding two goals, before world No. 3 England added another in the final quarter.

Nicholas Bandaruk scored twice for England (14th and 55th minutes), while Stuart Rushmere (39th) and Henry Croft (43rd) were the other scorers for the winners.

Harmanpreet Singh (17th) and Dilpreet Singh (25th) scored India’s goals.

England lead Pool D with two wins from two matches, while India are second with three points. Pakistan, who drew with Wales earlier in the day, are third with one point, with Wales — also on one point — at the bottom.

India will need to either beat or draw Pakistan in their final pool match on Wednesday to qualify for the second round. A loss against Pakistan, will, however, knock India out of the tournament.

The top two teams from the pool will advance to the next round. India had an aggressive start, creating their first opening in the third minute when Sukhjeet found Abhishek inside the circle, but the England defence successfully dealt the threat.

Jarmanpreet Singh then won possession on the right in the seventh minute and found Dilpreet, whose cross could not be trapped by Shilanand Lakra. Jarmanpreet, who was still at the circle, collected the loose ball but his shot went wide. India were reduced to 10 men briefly after Sumit received a green card in the 10th minute.