Gleghorne on the mark but England fail to break down the great wall of China
IT took to the sixth game of the World Cup finals in India before the first shock result was recorded ... and that’s not great news for England.
Danny Kerry’s lads were expected to beat the lowest ranked team in Pool B but were hit by an early goal and a late goal as they ended up drawing 2-2.
With Australia up next for England, and a possible defeat against the world champions, it could all go down to the last pool game against Ireland to decide who gets the dreaded early elimination.
And with three Ulstermen in the English team — Mark Gleghorne, Ian Sloan and David Ames — and all three having played for Ireland before switching allegiance, that is sure to be an intriguing encounter.
With England having finished fourth in the previous two world tournaments, early elimination would be a major shock.
However, there was no doubt England should have beaten China but failed to force home their better chances.
“That was tough to take,” admitted England’s long-serving captain Barry Middleton.
“We controlled it how we wanted to but we’ve got a few things to work on around the circle.
“They took the few chances that came their way and that’s what it comes down to in the end.”
The Asian side took a shock fifth minute lead when Guo Xiaoping showed superb skills along the backline before flicking above goalkeeper George Pinner from a tight angle.
But Gleghorne’s 14th minute penalty corner drag-flick levelled the scores and it seemed only a matter of time before the floodgates would open.
Two goalless quarters followed, but 12 minutes from time England took the lead after great work from Liam Ansell.
He stole possession from a China defender inside the circle before unleashing a backhand strike into the far corner.
However, they attempted to see out the game and instead conceded an unnecessary penalty corner with just 90 seconds remaining and Du Talake sent home a powerful penalty corner drag-flick to give China a shock share of the spoils.
Today’s action sees Netherlands take on Malaysia in Pool D (11.30am) followed by Germany and Pakistan (1.30pm).
And tomorrow’s games see the series revert to Pool C, with Canada taking on South Africa (11.30am), with both looking for their first wins.
Hosts India, the biggest scorers to date after a 5-0 opening day success over the South Africans, face favourites Belgium (1.30pm).