Olympic hopes on brink after England stumble

England men consigned themselves to the lottery of a tense Olympic play-off in the autumn after failing to reach the Eurohockey Championship semi-finals for the first time in 12 years.

Only the European title winners will book their passage to Tokyo 2020 and a gritty Spanish team upset the odds with a 2-2 draw – with England needing victory – to advance from the pool stages alongside Belgium, the world champions.

World No6 England’s plight was later heightened by Germany’s 5-0 win over Ireland. Germany will now leapfrog England in the rankings next month, so Danny Kerry’s side, who will revert to Great Britain, will face a tougher nation in the two-leg matches.

Meanwhile, their task here will get no easier in the relegation play-offs, with England, the 2009 champions, facing Ireland and Scotland in a “home nations” scrap. Wales, who drew 2-2 with England in the opening game, will also aim to stay in Europe’s top division.

“It will be a good test, a unique challenge to regroup after a disappointing game and an interesting second tournament,” said Kerry.

England were the better side in the opening two quarters against Spain, Sam Ward lifting over Quico Cortes in the 21st minute.

Spain’s equaliser came as Harry Gibson was unable to clear a soft shot from Pau Quemada. Gibson was only able to boot back to Quemada, who slotted home.

Ward’s green card for a push left room for Spain’s second from Diego Arana’s volley. Spain missed a penalty stroke soon after, which left England to attack the circle at will in the final quarter. Ashley Jackson equalised with a powerful drag flick, eight minutes from time.

Kerry added: “We’ve drawn against a good side, we’ve come back to get a draw [Wales].”

England women should confirm their progression to the semi-finals today when they play Belarus, who have leaked 24 goals in two games.