England’s hopes are ended as Dutch deliver attacking masterclass

England’s defence were exposed by a Dutch masterclass in fine hitting as their Eurohockey Championship hopes ended in a 3-1 semi-final loss to Holland last night. The men fell the same way as the women’s side after a first half in which two goals were lost inside 60 seconds.

Mark Gleghorne’s penalty-corner flick provided the goal for England, who face Germany tomorrow in the bronze medal match. Holland meet Belgium in the final.

“We had some good performances and some naivety but we’ll continue to learn and develop and be better for the experience,” said England coach Bobby Crutchley. “It’s great in this atmosphere. You don’t want to be dull, you want to be the star or the villain.”

Crutchley’s side dominated the opening phase but after 22 minutes Brendan Creed fatally gave the ball away inside the circle as the Dutch were awarded a penalty corner. Mink van der Weerden scored from a brutal reverse stick shot on his second attempt.

Holland then broke clear from the restart and Mirco Pruijser unleashed a power drive at the top of the circle to make it 2-0.

After the break, Pruijser’s cute touch for Holland’s third gave the hosts some breathing space before Gleghorne’s well-timed flick in the 43rd minute reduced the deficit.

Chris Griffiths then blazed over the bar moments later – but it was the England defence that was ultimately found wanting.

Meanwhile, England women take on Germany this afternoon for the bronze medal.